Members Preview: Wed., March 17, 3-6PM
Public Sale: Sat., March 20 9AM TO 5PM & Sun., March 21, 10AM TO 4PM
from curator of plants, Russ Buhrow
Mark your calendar and plan to attend Tohono Chul’s spring plant sale, this year featuring the mint family genus Agastache, also known as giant hyssop. Agastache species can be found in eastern Asia and in North America, a distribution relict from the time when the two continents were connected (Laurasian distribution). The availability of giant hyssop species and hybrids has exploded in the last decade, as interspecies hybrids are fairly easy to create and wide variability in color and form exists in the genus. Colors range from white through yellow to pink, magenta, lavender, orange, purple and red. Plants can range in size from 0.6-9 feet in height and width, though most of the cultivated types are generally from 1.5-6 feet, depending upon the species. Agastaches are also called hummingbird mints, both because of their attractiveness to hummingbirds and the minty aroma given off by their leaves when touched. Larger flowered species attract hummingbirds, while butterflies and bees visit the smaller flowered types.

Agastaches grow in relatively moist habitats, but dislike wet feet. In the Southwest, they can be found in canyon/mountain habitats from 3500-9000’. Most species flower throughout the hot and warm seasons of the year. In Tucson, a few flowers can last into December. Giant hyssops are somewhat drought tolerant, but prefer moderate water for best growth and flowering. Plants will also grow well in containers with good drainage. Locate your plants in ½ to full sun, provide steady water, and wait for the hummingbirds. To encourage vigorous new growth, cut Agastaches back to 2-6” stubs when the plants get ratty and new clusters of leaves form near the base of the plant.

Giant hyssops have been used herbally in China and by native American peoples for thousands of years. The list of potential medicines is truly amazing. Just the volatile extract from Agastache contains at least 30 known compounds. These extracts and other chemicals found within the leaves of these plants have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral (including viral cancers and AIDS), antifungal, antihypertensive, vasorelaxant, antipyretic, anticancer, antipolio, carminative, stomachic and anti-inflammatory effects. Agastache will produce a treasure trove of new medicines as these magnificent plants are studied further.

Of course, Tohono Chul will present the usual rogues’ gallery of native and drought-adapted plants, many of them available nowhere else. Come and see the largest selection of Penstemons anywhere in the southwest, as well as an impressive
assortment of cacti, shrubs, wildflowers, trees, herbs, vines and groundcovers. The plant sale will be open at the east side of the Park just north of the Education Center on Wednesday, March 17 from 3 to 6 pm for members only and to the general public on Saturday, March 20 from 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday, March 21 from 10 am to 4 pm. Come early for the best selection.