Korean mint (baechohyang) Agastache rugosa
Korean mint (baechohyang) (Agastache rugosa) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Korean mint (baechohyang) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (anise-mint), flowers |
| Native to | East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Korean mint (baechohyang) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korean mint (baechohyang)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Korean mint (baechohyang)
- How far apart should I plant Korean mint (baechohyang)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Korean mint (baechohyang) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korean mint (baechohyang) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Korean mint (baechohyang)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Korean mint (baechohyang) flower?
- From about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Korean mint (baechohyang) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Korean mint (baechohyang)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korean mint (baechohyang). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Spikes of purple-blue flowers mobbed by bees and butterflies; leaves scented of anise and mint, added to Korean fish stews (maeuntang). Flowers in its first summer from spring seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare