Hummingbird mint, also known as agastache or hyssop, can spread in the garden. One particular variety of hummingbird mint, called Tango, is known for its spreading nature. It is important to keep this in mind when deciding to grow Tango hummingbird mint in your garden.
Tango hummingbird mint is a perennial plant, which means it will come back year after year. However, it also has the ability to self-seed, meaning it can produce new plants from its own seeds. This can lead to the plant spreading and potentially taking over an area if not properly managed.
To control the spread of Tango hummingbird mint, there are a few things you can do. First, it is recommended to remove spent blooms after flowering. This prevents the plant from producing seeds and reduces the chances of self-seeding. Simply deadhead the flowers by cutting off the spent blooms.
Additionally, cutting the plant back vigorously in the fall can help control its spread. By trimming the plant back, you are removing any potential seed heads and reducing the overall size of the plant. This can help prevent it from spreading too much in the garden.
In my own experience, I have grown Tango hummingbird mint in my garden and found that it did have a tendency to spread. While I enjoyed the beautiful blooms and the attraction it brought to hummingbirds and other pollinators, I did have to stay on top of deadheading and cutting back the plant to prevent it from taking over other areas.
If you decide to grow Tango hummingbird mint, be prepared for its spreading nature. While it can be a lovely addition to the garden, it does require some maintenance to keep it in check. Regular deadheading and trimming back in the fall can help control its spread and ensure it stays within the desired boundaries of your garden.
