Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Agastache mexicana 'Balsumlilac'
Summerlong Lilac Mexican Giant Hyssp

- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 16 to 22 inches
- Width
- 16 to 22 inches
- Flower color
- Lilac-pink
- Foliage color
- Green, fragrant
- Bloom time
- Early summer through fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; prefers well-drained soil
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies
About this plant
Agastache mexicana 'Balsumlilac', commonly known as Summerlong™ Lilac, is a compact, densely branched perennial that showcases bright lilac-pink blooms. This cultivar, derived from the Mexican giant hyssop native to central Mexico's oak forests, offers a beautiful display from early summer through fall. The tubular flowers are arranged in terminal spikes, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, thereby enhancing the garden's ecological value.
The foliage of 'Balsumlilac' is aromatic, emitting a pleasant lemon and anise-like scent when touched, adding a sensory dimension to the garden experience. Notably, this cultivar is heat and drought tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. Its compact size and prolonged blooming period make it an excellent choice for sunny borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and container plantings.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow · Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
