Hi Jeannesue,

Your unanswered post prompted me to google this variety of agastache. The rupestris looks really really nice, so I went and ordered some from a seed house in the states. (Get 'em now before our dollar goes even lower...) I don't mind sharing from my packet in return for something from your commercial "shopping list", if you're making one. Please e-mail me if you're interested.

- Bev

Thanks for replying Bev. I actually did get some rupestris thanks to two members who emailed me privately.

Jeanne

Speaking of this species again, I'm baffled as to the differences one sees to A. rupestris "Sunset" and "Apricot Sprite". I grow both and I could not define an obvious difference other than height but that I put down soil placement.

Both Tom Clothier and the DG database list these as two different varieties. "Apricot Sprite" is Agastache aurantiaca and "Apache Sunset" is Agastache rupestris. The two look very similar from the pictures, but the information suggests that the rupestris is more cold hardy, probably good to our zone 5. If you're growing the aurantiaca, you're pushing the zone. DG says US zone 7, and T&M says "half hardy herbaceous perennial".

Whatever it is, it's sure beautiful. This year I grew two varieties of Agastache (nepetoides and a hybrid called "Honey Bee Blue"), mainly for the bees. I didn't see any hummers on either of them. Next summer I'm hoping for some buzzie birdie interest in the rupestris.

- Bev