How to Grow Agastache Firebird
Wikimedia Commons
Agastache Firebird
Agastache × 'Firebird'
flowerAgastache Firebird is a hybrid ornamental flowering plant known for its vibrant red-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. This compact perennial or tender annual grows 12-18 inches tall and produces aromatic foliage with a pleasant anise-like scent. It combines ornamental appeal with practical pollinator benefits, making it ideal for borders, containers, and wildflower gardens.
When should you plant Agastache Firebird in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Agastache Firebird timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Agastache Firebird
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Agastache Firebird blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Agastache Firebird dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-10; best as a short-lived perennial in zones 7-9, annual in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Agastache Firebird grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Agastache Firebird timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall 1-2 inch plants with opposite leaves, seeds germinate in 7-14 days
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. No fertilizer needed until first true leaves appear.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop bushy growth with aromatic foliage, growing 4-8 inches tall
Pinch back growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushier habit. Water moderately. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFlower buds form at stem tips; first tubular red-orange flowers appear
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to higher phosphorus blend. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Ensure adequate water during this stage.
Peak Flowering
4-8 weeks (longer with deadheading)Dense flower spikes with numerous red-orange tubular florets attract hummingbirds and butterflies
Deadhead regularly to extend bloom time. Water during dry periods. Continue light feeding every 3-4 weeks with low-nitrogen formula.
Late Season / Decline
Continuous until frostFlowering slows; foliage may decline in intense heat. Seeds develop if flowers are not deadheaded.
Can cut back hard in mid-summer to rejuvenate. Save seeds for next season. In warm zones, plant may overwinter if given well-draining soil and winter protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray foliage with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases. Increase humidity around plants.
-
Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide if needed.
-
and
Hand-pick in early morning. Use copper tape or diatomaceous earth barriers. Remove shelter and debris.
-
Yellow sticky traps. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on leaf undersides every 7-10 days.
Uses
Herbal Tea & Flavoring
CulinaryThe aromatic leaves and flowers can be dried and steeped into a pleasant anise or licorice-scented herbal tea. Fresh flowers also make a beautiful garnish for cocktails and desserts. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeTubular red-orange flowers are exceptionally attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalAgastache species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American herbalism to support respiratory health and digestion. [source]
Ornamental Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdThe vibrant flower spikes make long-lasting cut flowers for fresh arrangements and dry beautifully for dried flower crafts and arrangements. [source]
Fragrance & Dried Herbal Crafts
CraftDried leaves and flowers retain their pleasant anise aroma and can be used in potpourri, sachets, and herbal craft projects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Agastache Firebird is grown primarily for ornamental flowering rather than harvest. Deadhead spent flower spikes regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. If saving seeds, allow some flowers to remain on the plant late in the season; collect seed heads when they turn brown and dry. For fresh cut flowers, harvest stems in early morning when blooms just open.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Agastache Firebird's vibrant red-orange color and tubular flowers have evolved specifically to attract hummingbirds, which are more attracted to red wavelengths than most other pollinators.
- 🌱 The name 'Agastache' comes from the Greek words 'agan' (much) and 'stachys' (ear of grain), referring to the dense flower spikes stacked like grain.
- 🌱 Agastache is sometimes called 'hyssop' and is a relative of mint, sharing the same family (Lamiaceae) and aromatic essential oils that include anethol, giving it the licorice-like scent.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Agastache Firebird planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Agastache Firebird seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Agastache Firebird timeline →