Botanical Name: Agastache hybrid ‘Blue Boa’

Common Name: Hummingbird Mint

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 6–10)

Size: 24–36" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Rocky Soils

Water Needs: Low to Moderate Once Established; Drought Tolerant

Bloom Season: Early Summer through Fall

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Oversized Deep Blue-Violet Flower Spikes, Aromatic Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Exceptional Pollinator Plant

Uses: Ideal for Pollinator Gardens, Perennial Borders, Cottage Gardens, and Mixed Plantings

Patent: ✔ Patented

Plant Patent: PP24,050 

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Agastache Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Agastache ‘Blue Boa’

Blue Boa is the type of Agastache that makes our customers stop mid-walk and ask what it is. The flower spikes are thick—not just tall, but dense and substantial—and the color is a deep blue-violet that reads rich instead of chalky or washed out. I’ve grown plenty of Agastache mints over the decades, and most of them are lovely, but this one has a weight to it that you notice immediately. When it’s flowering, it doesn’t fade into the background or politely blend in—it stands up and announces itself.

Bred and patented by Terra Nova Nurseries, Blue Boa takes the dramatic look of older classics like Black Adder but tightens everything up. The stems are thicker, the habit is more controlled, and the flowers are noticeably larger. I’ve watched it go through heavy rainstorms fully loaded with blooms and come out standing straight, which is something I can’t say for many Agastache varieties that I’ve grown. The foliage is aromatic with that familiar anise scent, and while no plant is completely deer-proof, this one has consistently been passed over in my garden.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trial beds in Upstate South Carolina, Blue Boa has been steady and predictable in the best way. Once it’s planted in full sun with good drainage, it settles in quickly and gets on with the job. It handles heat and humidity without sulking, and it doesn’t need constant watering once established. I don’t deadhead it, I don’t stake it, and I don’t find myself cutting it back midseason to keep it presentable—it holds its shape all on its own.

Pollinator activity is nonstop. Hummingbirds are the obvious draw, but bees and butterflies work the flower spikes from morning to evening. What I really appreciate, though, is how intentional it looks in the garden. Even at full size, it never feels loose or weedy. I like using Blue Boa when I want a bold vertical element that anchors a pollinator planting or gives structure to a perennial border. It’s dramatic without being unruly, tough without looking coarse, and it earns its space every single season.

Blue Boa vs. Other Agastache Varieties

Blue Boa is prized for its bold color, dense flower spikes, and more controlled structure compared to many traditional Agastache varieties. When set against taller selections like Blue Fortune, Blue Boa stands out for its thicker, tightly packed blooms and sturdier, more upright habit. Compared to compact series such as Beelicious® Pink, Blue Boa occupies a comfortable middle ground—offering more height and drama without becoming oversized or unruly.

Its rich violet-blue coloration is deeper and more saturated than softer tones like Sunrise™ White, and it pairs especially well with warm selections such as Kudos™ Coral for high-contrast designs. For gardeners seeking a hummingbird magnet with bold presence, excellent branching, and season-long reliability, Blue Boa is the Agastache selection for you.