Botanical Name: Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’

Common Name: Hummingbird Mint, Anise Hyssop

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 30–36" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor or Sandy 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: Lavender-Blue Flower Spikes, Aromatic Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Outstanding Pollinator Plant

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

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

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

More About Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ is one of the most widely grown and trusted hummingbird mints, valued for its long bloom season, upright habit, and exceptional pollinator appeal. Its soft lavender-blue flower spikes rise above fragrant, anise-scented foliage, creating a relaxed but intentional look that fits seamlessly into both formal and naturalistic gardens.

This variety is often considered the benchmark Agastache for garden performance. It blooms earlier than many newer hybrids and continues flowering steadily through summer and into fall. While the flower spikes are not as thick or oversized as modern selections like ‘Blue Boa,’ they are produced in abundance, creating a lighter, more airy presence in the landscape.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Blue Fortune’ has proven to be exceptionally reliable across a wide range of conditions. It handles heat, humidity, and drought well once established, provided soil drains properly. In the Southeast, it performs best in full sun with good airflow and leaner soils.

Pollinator activity is constant. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds work the blooms all day, making it one of the most effective nectar plants we grow. Deer consistently avoid it, and the aromatic foliage adds both resilience and sensory appeal. We also appreciate its longevity—this is a plant that returns strong year after year without special care.

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ vs. Other Agastache Varieties

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ is widely regarded as one of the most dependable and versatile Agastache varieties, especially in larger plantings and naturalistic designs. Compared to denser, more compact selections like ‘Blue Boa’, Blue Fortune has a taller, airier habit with softer blue-lavender flower spikes that create movement and a relaxed, meadow-like feel. While it doesn’t offer the same concentrated flower mass as newer cultivars, its open structure allows it to blend seamlessly with ornamental grasses, perennials, and prairie-style plantings.

When contrasted with taller, darker selections such as ‘Black Adder’, Blue Fortune reads lighter and more approachable, making it easier to use in mixed borders without overwhelming nearby plants. It also differs from compact series like ‘Little Adder’ or the vibrant Kudos® selections, which are better suited for tight spaces and containers. For gardeners prioritizing long bloom duration, exceptional pollinator activity, and effortless integration into large-scale or natural landscapes, ‘Blue Fortune’ remains a timeless and highly reliable Agastache choice.