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1.Agastache Rugosa — Overview
Agastache rugosa, commonly known as Korean Mint or Wrinkled Giant Hyssop, is a distinguished herbaceous perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native to East Asia, particularly Korea, China, and Japan, this aromatic plant is characterized by its upright, bushy growth habit, typically reaching heights of 60 to 120 cm. Its stems are square, a hallmark feature of the mint family, and are often flushed with purplish hues. The leaves are opposite, ovate-lanceolate, with serrated margins, and emit a strong, pleasant minty-anise scent when crushed.
They grow to about 5-10 cm in length, tapering to a pointed apex. From mid-summer to early autumn, Agastache rugosa produces dense, terminal spikes of small, tubular flowers, which can vary in color from lavender-blue to violet-purple, and occasionally white. These inflorescences are highly attractive to a wide array of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making the plant a valuable addition to ecological gardens. Agastache rugosa thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
It exhibits good drought tolerance once established but benefits from consistent moisture. Its natural habitat includes open fields, forest edges, and disturbed areas, where it can form impressive colonies. Beyond its ornamental and ecological value, Agastache rugosa is deeply rooted in traditional East Asian medicinal practices, revered for its multifaceted therapeutic properties.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Agastache rugosa:
Agastache Rugosa should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Agastache Rugosa — Key Features
- East Asian Origin — Native to Korea, China, and Japan, with a rich history in traditional medicine.
- Aromatic Foliage — Emits a distinctive minty-anise scent when leaves are crushed.
- Pollinator Magnet — Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Lamiaceae Family — Shares characteristic square stems and opposite leaves with mints.
- Medicinal Versatility — Valued for digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
- Culinary Herb — Used in various Asian cuisines for its unique flavor profile.
- Ornamental Value — Produces attractive lavender-blue to violet-purple flower spikes.
- Drought Tolerant — Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather.
- Rich in Phytochemicals — Contains a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
- Air Purifying Qualities — Contributes to improved air quality in urban landscapes.
1.2.Agastache Rugosa — Quick Summary
- Agastache rugosa, or Korean Mint, is an aromatic East Asian perennial in the Lamiaceae family.
- Traditionally used for digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.
- Rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils like methyl chavicol.
- Cultivated for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental purposes.
- Requires well-drained soil and full sun; attracts pollinators.
- Caution advised for pregnant individuals and those on medication.
2.Agastache Rugosa — Scientific Identity
3.Agastache Rugosa — Categories & Tags
4.Agastache Rugosa — Appearance & Identification
5.Agastache Rugosa — Water Requirements
- Soil Preference — Agastache rugosa thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with organic matter; avoid heavy, waterlogged conditions.
- Light Requirements — Plant in a location receiving full sun to partial shade, with full sun promoting more robust growth and abundant flowering.
- Watering Schedule — Water regularly after planting to establish, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as it tolerates occasional drought.
- Planting Time — Best planted in spring after the last frost, allowing ample time for root development before summer heat.
- Spacing — Space plants about 30-45 cm apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent fungal issues as they mature.
- Fertilization — A light application of balanced organic fertilizer in spring can enhance growth, but avoid over-fertilizing.
- Pruning — Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prune back in late fall or early spring to maintain shape and vigor.
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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