Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Pinky Pie Hummingbird Mint: Licorice Leaves and Late-Summer Spikes
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Pinky Pie hummingbird mint opens apricot buds into soft mauve-pink flowers held in rosy calyxes, so each spike mixes three warm colors. When the petals drop, the calyxes keep their color, and the show runs from midsummer into early fall. Brush the leaves and you get a strong whiff of licorice and mint.
Hummingbird mint wants hot sun, lean soil and dry winter feet. If that sounds like lavender, it is. The two make one of the easiest pairings in a sunny garden.
Pinky Pie at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Agastache 'Pinky Pie' |
| Flowers | Soft mauve pink from apricot buds, in rosy calyxes, on 3- to 4-inch spikes |
| Foliage | Small, oval, toothed, medium green; licorice-mint scent |
| Size | 18 to 20 inches tall, 24 to 26 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks early August, long blooming |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies; deer resistant |
The second act after lavender
English lavender peaks in early summer. Pinky Pie hits its stride in August. Plant them together and the bed does not go quiet after you cut your lavender bundles; the soft pink spikes step in, blending gently with any lavender rebloom and keeping the pollinators coming back. Hummingbirds in particular make regular rounds.
At about 20 inches tall and a bit wider, it sits comfortably in front of or between taller lavenders. Its bushy, rounded form also contrasts with lavender's looser fountain of stems. Plan placement in the Companion Plant Planner.
Winning the winter
Drainage decides whether hummingbird mint survives a Michigan winter. These steps give it the best chance:
- Plant in lean, gritty or sandy soil. Wet clay is a common cause of winter loss.
- Plant in spring or early summer so roots establish before cold weather. Late-fall planting is another common cause of loss.
- Skip heavy mulch over the crown.
- Leave the stems standing all winter, and cut them back only once new growth starts in spring.
Summer care
- Water: through the first season, then sparingly. Heat and drought tolerance are excellent once settled.
- Spacing: give it air. Crowded, damp conditions can bring powdery mildew or leaf spot.
- Cutting: spikes are good in fresh bouquets and dry fairly well, adding warm pink to dried lavender bundles.
About the plug tray
Pinky Pie is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, ideal for a pollinator border or for potting up your own plants. It also does nicely in containers. See the product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the leaves for tea like culinary anise hyssop?
Pinky Pie is grown for its flowers, not for eating. The foliage is aromatic, but this hybrid is not recommended for culinary use.
Is it a true mint that spreads everywhere?
No. Hummingbird mint is in the mint family but forms a clump rather than running underground.
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