Part of the Kudos line, Agastache Kudos ‘Kudos Mandarin’ was bred for increased hardiness, a more compact size, earlier blooming, and resistance to downy mildew. This is not your grandmother’s anise hyssop; after some cross-breeding with native species, this hyssop is much better adapted to US gardens. Agastache Kudos ‘Kudos Mandarin’ features pinkish-orange blooms with a perfect, outward-facing form.
The show begins in spring, when the new foliage emerges a deep shade of bronze. Licorice scented, Agastache Kudos ‘Kudos Mandarin’ is very lush on compact plants. By the end of spring the plants are topped with rosy orange blooms that attract every honeybee, butterfly, and hummingbird in the neighborhood. Deer, slugs, and other nibblers leave this aromatic plant alone, and the blooms continue all the way into autumn.
Adaptable to dry soil, Agastache Kudos ‘Kudos Mandarin’ craves only sunshine and good soil drainage to thrive for many years. With very little attention, this dwarf hummingbird mint will swiftly reach its full height of 17 inches tall (20 when flowering) and 16 inches wide, and it will shine forth with reddish-orange blooms year after year.
Try Agastache Kudos ‘Kudos Mandarin’ in the sunny border or along the driveway. A thoroughly delightful perennial you will treasure for seasons to come.
