Looking for a perennial that blooms non-stop, defies droughts, and drives local pollinators wild? Meet Agastache ‘Kudos Red’ (Hummingbird Mint). This compact powerhouse delivers fiery color and a sweet licorice scent from early summer right up until the first frost.
Here is everything you need to know to successfully grow this garden favorite.
Quick Plant Profile
- Botanical Name: Agastache hybrid ‘Kudos Red’
- Common Name: Hummingbird Mint, Hyssop
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5–9
- Size: 16–20 inches tall and wide
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, exceptionally well-drained
Why You Need ‘Kudos Red’ in Your Garden
1. Unstoppable Vibrant Color
Unlike older agastache varieties that get tall and leggy, ‘Kudos Red’ features a dense, mounded habit. It produces a massive abundance of bright, cherry-red flower spikes that simply do not quit.
2. Pollinator Paradise
If you want to watch hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies visit your garden daily, this is the plant to buy. The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for long-tongued pollinators.
3. Pest and Drought Resistant
The foliage releases a strong, pleasant anise (licorice) aroma when brushed. While humans love the scent, deer and rabbits hate it, making this plant highly pest-resistant. Once established, it is also incredibly drought-tolerant.
How to Care for Agastache ‘Kudos Red’
Sunlight
Plant ‘Kudos Red’ in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun ensures the brightest red blooms and keeps the stems sturdy.
Soil & Drainage (The Golden Rule)
The number one killer of Agastache is wet feet. They must have sharp drainage.
- Plant in sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil.
- Avoid heavy clay.
- If planting in pots, use a lightweight, porous potting mix and a container with ample drainage holes.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season to help the root system establish. Once established, let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Pruning & Maintenance
- Deadheading: Not strictly necessary, but cutting back faded flower spikes encourages even more blooms.
- Winterization: Do not cut the plant back in the fall. Leave the dead stems intact through winter to protect the crown from cold and moisture. Cut the whole plant back to about 3 inches in early spring when new growth appears.
Garden Design Ideas
Because of its compact size, ‘Kudos Red’ is incredibly versatile:
- Containers: Features beautifully as the “thriller” in patio pots.
- Border Fronts: Perfect for the front or middle of a sunny perennial border.
- Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with the silver foliage of Lavender, the yellow blooms of Coreopsis, or the structural shapes of ornamental grasses.
