Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa)
Regular price $19.95Fragrant Medicinal Herb with Purple Blooms and Cooling Flavor
Korean Mint is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb with upright growth, serrated green leaves, and tall spikes of lavender-purple flowers that bloom through the warm months. Unlike true mints, Agastache rugosa does not spread aggressively, forming a tidy clump that fits beautifully into herb gardens, pollinator beds, and food forests. The leaves release a sweet, cooling aroma with notes of anise, mint, and basil, while the flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects in abundance.
This plant thrives in heat and sun, grows quickly, and offers both ornamental beauty and practical harvests. Its long bloom season, strong stems, and vibrant color make it a standout whether planted in the ground or in containers.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
In Korea, China, and East Asia, Korean Mint—known as Baechohyang—has been used for centuries as both a culinary herb and a medicinal plant. The leaves are brewed into soothing teas traditionally used to support digestion, reduce heat in the body, and calm the stomach. In cooking, the fresh leaves are used to flavor soups, dumplings, rice dishes, and herbal broths, adding a bright, refreshing note. In traditional herbal medicine, Agastache rugosa is valued for its aromatic, balancing properties and is still widely used today.
Why Grow Korean Mint?
- Aromatic leaves for tea, cooking, and herbal use
- Long-blooming purple flowers loved by pollinators
- Clump-forming growth that won’t take over the garden
- Heat-tolerant, drought-resilient once established
- Beautiful and functional addition to edible landscapes
Growing Tips
(Also known as: Korean Licorice Mint, Purple Giant Hyssop, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop; botanical synonyms may include Agastache rugosa f. alba)
Plant Korean Mint in full sun to light shade, in well-drained, moderately rich soil. Water regularly during establishment and provide consistent moisture during hot weather, though mature plants tolerate short dry spells. It thrives in warm summers and withstands light frost, returning reliably in milder climates. Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost in spring to encourage lush foliage and abundant blooms. Trim spent flower spikes to extend flowering and maintain tidy growth. Suitable for both in-ground beds and containers, though containers may require more frequent watering. This plant grows quickly in warm conditions and benefits from good air circulation to prevent mildew. Expect harvestable leaves within the first season, with peak aroma just before flowering.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Agastache rugosa |
| Common Names | Korean Mint, Korean Licorice Mint, Purple Giant Hyssop, Wrinkled Giant Hyssop |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | East Asia (Korea, China, Japan, surrounding regions) |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 2–4 ft × 1–2 ft |
| Light | Full sun to light shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Soil | Well-drained, moderately fertile soil |
| Bloom Time | Summer to early fall |
| Flower Color | Lavender-violet (white forms also exist) |
| USDA Zones | 4–9 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings |
| Seasonal Traits | Deciduous in cold climates; semi-evergreen in mild regions |
| Time to Harvest | First growing season for leaves; mid-season for blossoms |
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