Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) Agastache mexicana
Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) (Agastache mexicana) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Mountains of central Mexico. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (tea), flowers |
| Native to | Mountains of central Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the lemon-mint leaves are a traditional tea.
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 Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado)
- How far apart should I plant Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado) 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. Not poisonous; the lemon-mint leaves are a traditional tea.
- What grows well with Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mexican giant hyssop (toronjil morado). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Spikes of rosy-red tubular flowers loved by hummingbirds and bees; a parent of many hybrid hyssops. Short-lived and needs sharp drainage in wet winters.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare