Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa)
Aromatic Spikes with Cool Herbal Sweetness
Korean Mint (Agastache rugosa) rises in soft, vertical plumes of lavender-violet flowers, each spike buzzing with life as pollinators gather at its nectar-rich blooms. Its foliage is lush and textured—broad, softly toothed leaves releasing a cool, anise-mint fragrance at the slightest touch. Upright and airy, this herb forms graceful clumps that sway with wind and light, bringing movement and fragrance to garden borders, herb beds, and pollinator plantings. Native to East Asia—particularly Korea, China, Japan, and surrounding regions—Agastache rugosa thrives in sunny meadows, woodland edges, and well-drained soils where it flourishes through warm seasons and cool nights. Its distinct licorice-mint aroma, long bloom window, and heavy nectar production make it both ornamental and deeply functional.
Beyond its striking appearance, Korean Mint is cherished for its edible leaves and blossoms, which lend a cooling, gently sweet flavor to teas, salads, and garnishes. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, making it an ecological powerhouse as well as a culinary companion. Easy to grow, generous, and fragrant, it is one of the most rewarding herbs for gardeners who love plants that charm both palate and pollinators.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Korean Mint has a long history of use across East Asia, where it is valued as both a flavorful herb and an important medicinal plant. In Korean cuisine and traditional herbal practices, the leaves—called “baechohyang” or “bang-ah-gi”—are used for teas, broths, steamed dishes, and aromatic remedies intended to soothe the body and lift the spirit. In Chinese herbal traditions, Agastache rugosa (known as huò xiāng) is a major component of classic formulations, particularly those used to support digestion and overall balance. Its pleasantly cooling aroma and vibrant flowers have made it a plant woven into ritual, seasonal healing, and everyday cooking. Across its native range, Korean Mint connects people to the rhythms of harvest, wellness, and the sensory pleasures of culinary herbs.
Why Grow Korean Mint?
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Highly fragrant leaves and edible blossoms with a cool, sweet anise-mint flavor
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Long, lavender flower spikes that add vertical color and attract pollinators
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Hardy, vigorous growth with excellent heat and humidity tolerance
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Supports bees, butterflies, and beneficial garden ecology
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Deep cultural and culinary significance across East Asia
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.