Agastache cana, more commonly known as the mosquito plant, Texas hummingbird mint, and double bubble mint, is a hardy perennial belonging to the genus Agastache. The genus name Agastache is derived from the Greek word meaning "a lot of", and stachy, meaning "spike", which refers to the flower's 12 terminal spikes that decorate the plant. These spikes remain through the growing season from early summer to late fall. The Mosquito Plant is native to New Mexico and western Texas, where it grows in mountainous areas at altitudes of 6,000 feet.
Mosquito Plant is fairly disease-resistant and typically does not suffer from illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its surroundings. Such infestations are generally mild. Regarding care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is necessary to preserve an attractive appearance and support healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Mosquito Plant is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not require much care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Agastache Cana.
Light
The Mosquito Plant flourishes in surroundings that receive plenty of sunlight, reflecting its original habitat which had unhindered exposure to day-to-day solar light. A lack of sufficient sunlight may stifle its development, while on the contrary, an excess doesn't affect it adversely.
Temperature
The Mosquito Plant is capable of adjusting to an extensive range of temperature conditions, but its spread may be inhibited by varying balances of water and thermal conditions. It flourishes optimally in hot climates provided there is sufficient rainfall or irrigation during the summer. Extended periods of overcast and wet weather, along with long-lasting high temperatures, can heighten the chances of the Mosquito Plant succumbing. Over the winter, effectively safeguarding against cold can enhance the plant's odds of survival.
Fertilizer
The prime period to nourish a Mosquito Plant is during early spring, as it transitions out of dormancy and into an active growth phase. Fertilizing delivers essential nutrients that encourage robust growth. Despite the Mosquito Plant's modest requirement for fertilizer, providing it once a year can improve its longevity and support the production of superior, longer-enduring blooms.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Agastache
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9
- Mature Height
- 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Mexico
