Botanical Name: Agastache ‘Little Adder’

Common Name: Hummingbird Mint

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

Size: 14–18" Tall × 14–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, 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: Deep Violet-Blue Flower Spikes, Dark Calyxes, Aromatic Foliage, Heat Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Exceptional Pollinator Plant

Uses: Ideal for Borders, Containers, Pollinator Gardens, Perennial Beds, and Small-Space Plantings

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

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

More About Agastache ‘Little Adder’

Agastache ‘Little Adder’ delivers the dramatic color and contrast of the classic ‘Black Adder’ in a significantly more compact, garden-friendly form. Its deep violet-blue flower spikes, accented by dark calyxes, rise above aromatic foliage, providing bold visual impact without the height or spread of traditional Agastache varieties.

This selection was developed specifically for gardeners who love the look of ‘Black Adder’ but need a tighter, more controlled plant. ‘Little Adder’ maintains an upright, well-branched habit and produces dense flower spikes that remain attractive and well-supported throughout the season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Little Adder’ has proven to be exceptionally reliable in full sun with well-drained soil, even in hot, humid conditions. It establishes quickly, resists flopping, and continues blooming steadily from early summer into fall with minimal maintenance.

Pollinator activity is outstanding. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to the blooms, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-focused gardens. We also appreciate how easy it is to design with—its compact size makes it ideal for containers, front-of-border placements, and smaller garden beds where larger Agastache varieties would be overwhelming.

Agastache ‘Little Adder’ vs. Other Agastache Varieties

Compared to its parent variety ‘Black Adder’, ‘Little Adder’ offers the same rich color and pollinator appeal in a much smaller footprint. Where ‘Black Adder’ excels in meadow plantings and large borders, ‘Little Adder’ shines in tighter spaces and more formal garden designs.

When compared to compact plants like Kudos® Coral or Beelicious® Pink, ‘Little Adder’ stands out for its darker coloration and more dramatic contrast. For gardeners seeking bold color, strong pollinator performance, and a compact habit, Agastache ‘Little Adder’ is one of the best small-scale hummingbird mints available.