Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Guava Lava Hummingbird Mint: Coral Spikes for Hot, Dry Beds
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Guava Lava hummingbird mint is a bushy, rounded plant covered in upright spikes of slender coral orange flowers, each tucked into a mauve pink calyx. The effect is two-tone, coral and pink together, and because the calyxes stay colorful after the petals drop, the show lasts from early July well into fall. Brush the leaves and you get a strong licorice-mint scent.
Of all the plants we pair with lavender, hummingbird mints are among the most natural fits. They want the same hot, dry, sunny ground.
Guava Lava at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Agastache 'Guava Lava' |
| Flowers | Coral orange with mauve pink calyxes, 3- to 5-inch spikes |
| Foliage | Medium green, small and toothed, licorice-mint scent |
| Size | 20 to 22 inches tall, 22 to 26 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks early August, color into fall |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees; deer resistant |
Why it belongs with lavender
Hummingbird mint and lavender share almost everything: full sun, lean gritty soil, low water and a strong dislike of soggy winters. Both are aromatic, so deer tend to pass them by. Visually, Guava Lava's warm coral and mauve make a lively contrast against cool purple lavender, and its spikes echo lavender's upright form in a different color. It blooms alongside lavender in July and keeps going after the harvest, so the bed stays busy with hummingbirds into fall.
At about 2 feet tall, it fits the front or middle of a lavender bed, a rock garden or a dry container. Try a pattern in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting for winter survival
In Michigan, drainage decides whether hummingbird mint comes back. A few habits make a big difference:
- Soil: lean, gritty or sandy. Heavy, wet clay is the most common cause of winter loss.
- Timing: plant in spring or early summer so roots establish before winter. Late-fall planting often fails.
- Mulch: keep heavy mulch off the crown.
- Stems: leave them standing all winter. Cut back only once new growth starts in spring.
Those are the same rules that keep lavender alive, so if your lavender thrives, Guava Lava should too.
Summer care
Once established it has excellent heat and drought tolerance and flowers best in hot, sunny sites. Root rot in poorly drained soil is the main problem; powdery mildew or leaf spot can appear when plants are crowded in damp spots, so give it space for airflow. The spikes are good for cutting and add a warm accent to lavender bouquets.
Frequently asked questions
Is it an edible mint?
No. The foliage is aromatic, but these hybrids are grown for their flowers, not for eating.
How is it offered?
As a full 72-cell plug tray of young starter plugs, enough to weave through a long lavender planting. See the product page for current availability.
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