Licorice Mint (Agastache rupestris) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Licorice Mint
Latin Name: Agastache rupestris
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5–9 for garden performance. Colder zones may see dieback to crown. In warmer zones the plant often remains evergreen or semi evergreen and can be more vigorous
Typical Height: About 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall at maturity
Typical Spread: About 12–18 in (30–45 cm) wide as a mounded clump
Bloom Period: Summer to early fall, commonly June to September in the Northern Hemisphere
Soil Preferences: Well drained soil is essential. Tolerates average to poor soils and drier sites. Avoid heavy wet soils and poor winter drainage. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Light Preferences: Full sun for best flowering. Tolerates light afternoon shade but flowers less in heavy shade
Toxicity: No widely reported severe toxicity but authoritative pet or poison control confirmation is recommended. Some people may have contact sensitivity to aromatic foliage
Propagation: Propagate by seed or softwood/greenwood cuttings. Division is not generally recommended because of a deeper root system but may be possible with care

Key Facts

A perennial in climates where it is winter hardy
Aromatic foliage with a licorice or anise scent when crushed
Showy flower spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers well drained soil and tolerates drier sites once established
Flowers from summer into early fall in many climates
Often used in borders, rock gardens, and xeriscapes
Not well suited to heavy wet soils and poor winter drainage

Licorice Mint is a fragrant perennial with licorice scented foliage and upright flower spikes that draw bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is prized in dry, sunny plantings but will decline in heavy wet soils or poorly drained winter sites.

Identification

Agastache rupestris forms a compact, mounded clump roughly 12 to 24 inches tall with a 12 to 18 inch spread. Leaves smell of licorice or anise when crushed and summer flower spikes open from early summer into early fall. Blooms are showy and favored by pollinators.

Where to grow and best uses

Plant Licorice Mint in full sun for the best bloom and scent. It tolerates average to poor soils and drier sites once established, making it a good choice for borders, rock gardens and xeriscapes. Avoid heavy wet soils and low spots where winter drainage is poor.

Planting and spacing

Set plants to the same depth as they grew in their container and space them about 12 to 18 inches apart so each clump can mature. In USDA zones 5 to 9 the species performs well as a perennial; choose planting times that allow roots to establish before extreme heat or cold.

Watering and soil

Licorice Mint prefers well drained soil and tolerates drier conditions after establishment. Keep young plants evenly moist while roots develop. Prolonged soggy soil commonly leads to crown or root rot, while good drainage and moderate moisture support long flowering into summer and early autumn.

After-flowering care

Remove spent flower spikes to tidy plants and encourage continued bloom. In late season trim back old growth to improve air circulation and reduce plant crowding. Leave stems if you want seed for self-sowing, but remove seedheads to limit naturalizing.

Controlling spread and seed

Agastache rupestris forms mounded clumps that can expand slowly and may self-seed in favorable sites. To control spread remove spent flowers before seed sets and pull seedlings while small. Division is possible but often difficult because of deeper roots, so plan spacing with mature clumps in mind.

Propagation

Propagate from seed or from softwood and greenwood cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Division is not generally recommended because many Agastache develop a deeper root system, though careful division can succeed for some cultivars.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Licorice Mint grow?: Growth is moderate; plants form a compact mounded clump and typically reach about 12 to 24 inches tall under favorable conditions. Speed varies with soil, light and moisture.
When does it bloom?: Blooming typically runs from summer into early fall, often listed as June through September in temperate Northern Hemisphere gardens.
Is Licorice Mint drought tolerant?: Yes. Once established it tolerates drier sites, but young plants need regular moisture until roots are established and the soil must be well drained.
Can I grow it in containers?: Yes. Use a free draining potting mix and a sunny spot. Containers help avoid heavy winter wetness that can harm the crown.