Rugosa Beelicious Purple, also known as Korean Mint, Blue Licorice, or Giant Hyssop, is a perennial landscape plant native to East Asia. This variety has an upright habit of 16" tall and 12" wide with purple flower spikes on licorice-scented foliage from June through September. This plant excels in landscape and culinary use. Rugosa Beelicious Purple brings a striking pop of long-lasting perennial color to borders and compact landscapes. This variety is particularly well-suited for containers. Hardy in zone 6-10, Agastache attracts bees and butterflies and flourishes in full sun with good drainage. For a taller variety, try Kudos Coral.
Rugosa Beelicious Purple Selling Tips
Sell Rugosa Beelicious Purple to customers looking for a low-maintenance perennial flower to attract pollinators to the landscape or a compact Agastache variety. Homeowners often look for attractive perennials for borders or cottage gardens that won't add to the outdoor workload. Rugosa offers many benefits, including downy mildew resistance, unique culinary use, an upright habit, and a long bloom season. Bees and butterflies love Agastache. This plant is especially well-suited for containers and cut flower gardens. Create a traditional cottage garden by pairing Rugosa Beelicious Purple with Geranium, Echinacea, and Rudbeckia.
Coach Your Customer:
1. Space plants 10-12" apart in full sun in well-drained soil. Agastache may develop root rot in soils that are too moist. Use gravel at the bottom of your planting hole to provide additional drainage, especially for overwintering.
2. Water regularly, especially during the first year, for a healthy root system.
3. Deadhead blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Prune and feed in spring before new growth appears.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
To achieve the best results with Rugosa Beelicious Purple, plant one rooted plug per 4-inch container. Use a well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5, EC of 1.5-2.0 mS/cm, and light feed (100-150 ppm). Pinch once at transplant. You may see spider mites or whiteflies. Watch for root rot and downy mildew in poorly draining soil or wet conditions. This variety offers superior disease resistance.
Flowering
Purple flower spikes bloom from June through September.
Pinching
Pinch once at transplant.
Spacing
Space containers for adequate airflow and sunlight penetration around the base and foliage of each plant.
Height Control
This plant doesn't require PGRs.
Pests
Scout for spider mites and whiteflies as part of your commercial greenhouse Integrated Pest Management.
Spider Mites are tiny pests that cause stippling, yellowing, and webbing on foliage by feeding on plant sap. They flourish in warm, dry environments. Use correct water and fertilizing practices; over-fertilizing can attract spider mites. Proper humidity levels, predatory mites or ladybugs, and insecticidal soaps or oils may prevent or address a spider mite infestation.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that eat plant sap and cause yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Severe infestations can lead to plants dying. Prevent infestations by sanitizing surfaces and tools and removing debris. Introduce natural predators and use sticky traps to control populations. Insecticidal soaps and oils are also effective against this pest.
Disease
Watch for signs of downy mildew and root rot and take preventative measures in your greenhouse. Water at the base of each plant in the morning, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Provide good airflow and adequate spacing between containers. Use well-drained soil for planting.
Root Rot occurs in poorly drained or overly wet soil, which becomes the host for several types of fungi. It causes stunted growth, wilting, and root system decay. Prevention is the best treatment, and you will avoid most root rot problems by using clean, well-draining media, appropriate containers, and good watering practices for finishing seedling plugs. Inspect plants for signs of disease regularly. Repot infected plants in well-draining soil, adjust your watering schedule, provide better airflow, and use a fungicide if needed.
Downy Mildew is a disease caused by Peronospora sparsa, a fungus-like organism that causes white or gray growth on foliage undersides and yellowing of the leaf surface. Use proper sanitization, ventilation, and humidity control. Remove infected plants and debris to control the spread. Don't use overhead irrigation, and apply a fungicide if needed. Azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, mancozeb, and fenamidone are effective in a rotation against a severe outbreak of Downy Mildew.
Planting Rugosa Beelicious Purple Liners
We recommend planting one rooted liner per 4-inch container. Use a well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepot in the center of the container.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Agastache Rugosa Beelicious Purple Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6-8 Weeks |
|---|
| Bloom Period | Fall, Summer |
|---|
| Color | Purple |
|---|
| Habit | Upright |
|---|
| Height | 16 inches |
|---|
| Light | Full Sun |
|---|
| Minimum Temp | 58 |
|---|
| Perennial Zone | 6-10 |
|---|
| Water Needs | Light |
|---|
| Patented Plant | Yes |
|---|
