Golden hyssop is a short-lived perennial with an open, airy habit producing golden-orange flower spikes. It is native to mountain ledges in Arizona to New Mexico. This plant requires well-drained sunny locations. In northern climates, plant it in a protected area. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the late summer flowers.
Size:
It has an upright, erect habit growing 18 to 24 inches high and wide.
Native geographic location and habitat:
It is native in Arizona to New Mexico, south into Texas and northern Mexico.
Attracts birds, pollinators, or wildlife:
Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are attracted to golden hyssop.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:
It has opposite, gray-green to dark green leaves that are lanceolate with serrated margins. They have a minty fragrance.
Flower arrangement size and shape:
Golden hyssop has spikes of golden yellow-orange, tubular flowers on 24 inch stems.
Fruit, cone, nut and seed descriptions:
It has small seeds, also known as nutlets.
Plant care:
Golden hyssop requires full sun in a well-drained site. In northern climates, it needs wind protection. It should be cut back in spring to promote new growth. This perennial lives only two to four years.
Disease, pest, and problem resistance:
Golden hyssop does not tolerate wet sites. It is deer and rabbit resistant.
Apricot Spirit hyssop (Agastache aurantiaca ‘Apricot Spirit’):
This cultivar grows 15 to 18 inches high and 24 inches wide and produces apricot-orange flowers. It is hardy in Zones 6-9.
Coronado hyssop (Agastache ‘Coronado’):
This upright cultivar grows 24 inches high, produces tubular yellow flowers stained orange, and has silvery aromatic leaves. It is hardy in Zones 6-9.
Just Peachy hyssop (Agastache ‘Just Peachy’):
This 24 inch high cultivar has muted shades of pink and peach-colored flowers. It is hardy in Zones 6-9.
