Use & Care NotesCompanion Plants
Royal Raspberry Hummingbird Mint: Deep Purple Tones for Lavender
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Royal Raspberry hummingbird mint is a full, bushy Agastache covered from midsummer on in spikes of rosy purple flowers, each held in a deep burgundy calyx. The overall effect is a rich raspberry purple, and because the calyxes keep their color after the petals drop, it looks in bloom well into fall. In spring, the new leaves come up with a burgundy cast before turning medium green.
It has overwintered reliably in West Michigan trials, which is the real test for any hummingbird mint.
Royal Raspberry at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Agastache 'Royal Raspberry' |
| Flowers | Rosy purple in deep burgundy calyxes, on spikes 4 to 6 inches long |
| Foliage | Burgundy-tinted in spring, maturing to medium green; licorice-mint scent |
| Size | 28 to 32 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks early August, long blooming |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 5 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Wildlife | Excellent for pollinators; a hummingbird favorite; deer usually avoid it |
Purple on purple
Some companions contrast with lavender. Royal Raspberry deepens it. Its raspberry-purple spikes have a similar upright form to lavender but a richer, redder tone, so a planting of the two reads as one long sweep of purple with more depth than lavender alone. Plant it just behind a lavender row or in groups between lavender plants.
It also extends the season. Lavender peaks in late June and July; Royal Raspberry peaks in early August and keeps going, so the bed still looks purple after harvest and shearing. Both like the same full sun and lean, dry soil. Sketch the planting in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Soil: loose, lean and well drained. Gritty or sandy soil is best.
- Water: regularly while it establishes; afterward it tolerates heat and drought.
- Timing: plant in spring or early summer, not late fall.
- Airflow: avoid crowding, which invites powdery mildew and leaf spot in damp weather.
- Feeding: not needed.
Winter survival
Drainage decides whether hummingbird mints return in Michigan. Wet clay and heavy mulch over the crown are the usual causes of loss. Leave the stems standing all winter to shelter the crown, then cut them back in spring once fresh growth shows at the base.
About the plug tray
Royal Raspberry is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray, a fit for pollinator plantings, borders and growers. See the product page for current availability, or visit the Wholesale Hub.
Frequently asked questions
Does it make a good cut flower?
Yes, it rates good for cutting. Pair the spikes with lavender and white flowers for a summer bouquet.
Can I eat it?
This hybrid is grown for its flowers. The leaves smell of licorice and mint, but it is not grown for eating.
Will it fit in a pot?
Yes, in a large container with a gritty mix in full sun. Pots must drain freely.
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