When to deadhead Agastache plus advice on a new variety?
Hi folks, two in one query:
1. Most of the original flower spikes on my A. Black Adder are now pretty much over and a few new buds are developing underneath. I would like to deadhead to encourage more buds and a fresh flush of flowers. My problem is, the bees are still swarming all over, trying to extract every last drop of nectar from the few remaining flower tubes! Should I deadhead now to encourage more flower spikes for me to enjoy and the bees to ultimately have more to feed on? If I leave them until they are totally brown, will the plant think it’s all over and not bother to produce more for me and the bees?
2. Whilst I like Black Adder, the colour is quite subtle (more lilac than the desired purple). It’s also grown really tall so I plan to move a few plants right to the back of the border. Can anyone recommend another brighter one for a middle border position? I was thinking Blue Boa might work, does anyone grow this and what’s the colour like? It looks blue on some websites and pinky purple on others. I definitely don’t want a pinky one!
Many thanks.
1. Most of the original flower spikes on my A. Black Adder are now pretty much over and a few new buds are developing underneath. I would like to deadhead to encourage more buds and a fresh flush of flowers. My problem is, the bees are still swarming all over, trying to extract every last drop of nectar from the few remaining flower tubes! Should I deadhead now to encourage more flower spikes for me to enjoy and the bees to ultimately have more to feed on? If I leave them until they are totally brown, will the plant think it’s all over and not bother to produce more for me and the bees?
2. Whilst I like Black Adder, the colour is quite subtle (more lilac than the desired purple). It’s also grown really tall so I plan to move a few plants right to the back of the border. Can anyone recommend another brighter one for a middle border position? I was thinking Blue Boa might work, does anyone grow this and what’s the colour like? It looks blue on some websites and pinky purple on others. I definitely don’t want a pinky one!
Many thanks.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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I would deadhead if they are mostly done flowering on the spires, this way the energy of the plant will go in to the new buds.
My Black Adder is also much paler this year and a less striking purple, I’ve put it down to the intense sun. My one in half shade is more vibrant. Yes, I grow Blue Boa too. It is a slightly shorter variety with deeper purple flowers. I will try to get a picture later. The tubular flowers are longer which means only carder and certain bumbles with long tongues can gain access to the pollen, I have observed this recently.
My Black Adder plants are buzzing with pollinators.
Sorry to hear that @Hampshire Hog, I think I am in the process of losing a few of my young echinacea tangerine dream to root rot - heavy summer rain and humidity in my case.
Mine too Anni, I think it was the constant wet rather than the cold despite aiding the drainage. One survived though
They are wonderful plants, everyone should check out the Kudos series - I have Mandarin (orange) and Coral, both are reliably hardy and have different scented foliage.
It’s bucketing it down outside but this is the most accurate colour photo I could find: