Scented nettle (also known as Agastache) is a delightful plant known for its aromatic fragrance that attracts butterflies to the garden. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other medicinal and aromatic plants like anise hyssop and mountain mint. This plant is primarily native to North and Central America, with some varieties from East Asia.
Hardiness of Scented Nettle
Scented nettle is a perennial, but its hardiness varies by species. While some species can withstand winter temperatures as low as -23°C, others, particularly hybrids and varieties like the Mexican scented nettle (Agastache mexicana), are less hardy, surviving only to around -6°C. The most winter-hardy varieties are those that come from East Asia, such as Agastache rugosa. If you’re growing a less hardy variety, it’s best to plant it in a pot, allowing you to bring it indoors to protect it from extreme cold.
How to Prune Scented Nettle
- General Pruning: If you are growing scented nettle as a perennial, prune it back in the fall by cutting the dead parts down to the ground. This helps protect the plant through winter.
- Winter Protection: For winter protection, cover the plant with mulch, such as leaves or brushwood, especially for those less hardy varieties. However, if you prefer to keep the ornamental seed heads, you can skip the pruning.
- Spring Care: In the spring, a light pruning can help the plant regenerate and grow healthily.
Varieties of Scented Nettle
Agastache has over 20 species, with many hybrid varieties that are widely available. Some of the most popular types include:
- Agastache rugosa (East Asian Scented Nettle): Known for its purple-blue flowers and hardiness to -23°C. It is great for attracting butterflies and does well in full sun to partial shade.
- Agastache mexicana (Mexican Scented Nettle): Best suited for container planting, as it is only hardy to -6°C. This variety has a unique color range of blooms and a fragrant, lemony scent.
- Hybrid Varieties: These include Agastache rugosa x foeniculum hybrids, such as ‘Black Adder’, ‘Little Adder’, and ‘Blue Fortune’, which are known for their large and vibrant flowers.
Toxicity of Scented Nettle
Scented nettle is non-toxic to both humans and animals. Its leaves and flowers are edible and can be used in cooking, for teas, or as garnishes. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, including being used for soothing cold symptoms, promoting digestion, and reducing cramps. However, these health benefits have not been scientifically proven.
Planting and Growing Scented Nettle
- Location: Scented nettle thrives in sunny or lightly shaded locations with moderately dry to fresh, well-drained soils.
- Soil: It prefers nutrient-rich, sandy, or loamy soil that is not too wet. Avoid planting it in areas that are prone to waterlogging.
- Spacing: Plant scented nettle at least 50 cm apart, as it is not very sociable and grows best when spaced out.
Propagation
Scented nettles can be propagated from seeds, especially the species that self-seed. Hybrids can be propagated by cuttings taken in late summer, but they do not produce viable seeds. If you want to keep your hybrid varieties, you must take cuttings or buy new plants.
Uses of Scented Nettle
- Culinary: The leaves of scented nettle can be used in salads, teas, or as flavoring in various dishes. The flowers are also edible and make for an attractive garnish.
- Medicinal Uses: Historically, scented nettle has been used to relieve cold symptoms and soothe digestive issues, though its medicinal effects are not scientifically confirmed.
Conclusion
Scented nettle (Agastache) is a versatile, aromatic plant that attracts pollinators like butterflies. With proper care and attention to winter hardiness, it can thrive as a perennial in the garden. It’s easy to grow, non-toxic, and offers both aesthetic and culinary benefits.