The flowers of the fragrant nettle are a real eye catcher. They also exude an aromatic scent and attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
The scented nettles (Agastache) delight the eye with their attractive blossom candles. The floriferous lamiaceae inspire all summer long with a colorful flower and an intense fragrance. The plants are also popular with insects and add value to the perennial garden.
Characteristics of the scented nettle
First of all, the naming of this perennial genus causes confusion. While some representatives are called scented nettle and others bear the name mountain mint, the term blue nettle, based on the blue flower candles, is also common. Some representatives are even referred to as hyssop, although there is only a distant relationship to real hyssop.
The different types of fragrant nettles can be roughly divided into two groups:
| Plant group | Licenseplate |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | • originate from North America, China and Korea • bushy habit • tall habit (up to 2.5 metres) |
| Group 2 | • loose, branched growth • low growth (up to 1 meter) |
Scented nettle as a medicinal plant
The Native Americans used the various species of sweet nettle as a fodder plant and as a medicinal plant. In our European culture, the scented nettle was primarily used as a fodder plant and in beekeeping. And even today there is no scientific evidence for a healing effect.
However, the scented nettle is said to have various healing effects:
- Soothing for the stomach
An infusion of its leaves is said to stimulate the appetite and at the same time lift the spirits. It is also said to calm the stomach and thus help with nausea and vomiting. - Relief of cold symptoms
Tea infusions are said to help with cold symptoms. The essential oils contained are said to lead to an increase in body temperature, so that the pathogens are killed. - Circulation-enhancing and antispasmodic effect
The scented nettle also contains camphor, which is said to have a heart-strengthening and cough-relieving effect. In addition, camphor promotes blood circulation and can therefore be used for low blood pressure and circulatory weakness. Since it has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties, it can relieve upset stomachs and menstrual cramps.
Planting and caring for sweet nettle
Suitable location for the scented nettle
Scented nettles thrive best in full sun. Even in semi-shade, the robust perennials will not die, but may bloom less luxuriantly. Scented nettles do not tolerate waterlogging and prefer a dry location. The drought doesn't harm the plants in the slightest, even making them more robust and hardy.
The fragrant nettle can arrange itself well in the bed with the following plants:
- Coneflower
- Phlox
- Goldenrod
- Globe thistle
- Magnificent Candle
Ideal substrate for the sweet nettle
Only Agastache rugosa and the hybrids bred from it get a heavy soil. For all other plant representatives, a permeable and nutrient-rich soil should be available.
Tip: Adding sand or gravel to heavy clay soil makes it more permeable.
Planting scented nettles - step by step
1. Select location
2. Prepare the soil
3. Dig the planting hole
4. Insert the plants
5. Fill up the substrate
6. Press down the soil well7. Water the plant well
After choosing the location, prepare the ground accordingly. The substrate should be freed from stones, weeds and root remains. A nutrient-poor soil can be upgraded by mixing in mature compost.
Scented nettles are best planted in a group. When digging the planting holes, the desired distance should be observed. If several plants are to grow together to form a dense group, 30 centimeters are sufficient. If more space is to be provided in the perennial bed, planting distances of around 50 centimeters are ideal.
Tip: Scented nettles can be planted between spring and autumn.
Water the scented nettles correctly
Regular watering of sweet nettles only plays a role in the first few weeks after planting. Young plants are watered regularly until they are well established.
For plants to grow and thrivea dry location is important. So there must be no waterlogging. As a result, the roots can no longer absorb nutrients and the plant dies. Regular watering is only necessary if the drought persists. Otherwise, scented nettles are watered only moderately.
Fertilize scented nettles correctly
Scented nettles do not need to be fertilized regularly. If the soil is upgraded accordingly during planting, the plant is well cared for in its first year. In the following period, fertilizer applications in spring are sufficient. The fertilizer is applied to the soil around the perennial and gently worked in.
The following substances can be used for long-term biological fertilization:
- Compost
- Barn Manure
- horn shavings
- Horn Meal
- Plant manure, for example nettle manure
- Herbal Fertilizer
- Long-term perennial fertilizer
Cut scented nettle
It is advisable to cut back the sweet nettle twice a year. You should use the scissors for the first time in July, when the flowers have dried up. Cut the upright inflorescences about four inches off the ground.
Tip:With a bit of luck and the right care, pruning back in July can stimulate new blooms.
The second cut is in autumn, when the flowers and leaves are no longer very attractive. Prune the plants back to about two to four inches off the ground.
Tip: If you want to take the seeds of the sweet nettle seriously, you should wait until the seeds have formed before pruning the seed heads in autumn.
Scented nettles and their species
As already mentioned, sweet nettles can be divided into two different groups. A little over 20 species are listed there.
| Scented nettle (Agastache) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | 40 - 160 cm |
| Special feature: | edible leaves and flowers with anise and mint scent |
| Usage: | Open space, bed, tub, herb garden |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry, well-drained, normal garden soil |
An overview of some pretty varieties
Alabaster
The white Korean mint can grow up to 80 centimeters tall. The greenish-white flower spikes catch the eye. A mint-like scent emanates from the flowers, which appear between July and October. Alabaster has a very decorative effectGroup plantings and is hardy.
Sangria
Lemon hyssop is a more sensitive plant. Since sangria is only hardy in mild regions, keeping it in tubs and overwintering indoors is a good idea. The plants can grow up to 1.2 meters in height and bloom an attractive shade of purple well into autumn.
Summer Glow
With a maximum growth height of 60 centimetres, Summer Glow is one of the smaller plant representatives. The pale yellow flowers with their violet calyxes appear between July and September. An aromatic scent emanates from the foliage. The plants retain their foliage through winter and will need a cover of foliage or twigs during severe frosts.
Astello Indigo
This flowering perennial grows up to 60 centimeters high. From June, the deep blue flower spikes appear, which can provide a high-contrast picture in the perennial bed. Astello Indigo thrives in beds or containers. If the perennial receives winter protection, it can be cultivated for several years.
Propagating Scented Nettles…
The fragrant nettles take care of the propagation if you don't remove the flower spikes before the seeds ripen.
The hobby gardener can multiply scented nettles with the following methods:
- Sowing
- Division
- Cuttings
… by sowing
If you collect the seeds, you can sow them in the next garden year. In March you can start growing the plants under glass in the house. Commercial potting soil mixed with sand can be used as a substrate.
Tip: To accelerate germination, it makes sense to cover it with foil.
At a germination temperature of around 20 degrees, the first leaves will appear after three to four weeks. In mid-May, after the ice saints, the young plants can be planted outdoors.
Tip: Between five and seven plants can be placed on one square meter.
… by division
Sufficient mature plants can be divided in spring. The division of the plants also serves to rejuvenate, but is not a must, as the perennials only gain in charisma over the years.
The fragrant nettles are completely dug up for the division. You can then check the roots for any weak points and remove diseased or dead parts. The root ball is divided with a sharp spade and you get two equal plants that are immediately transplantedshould.
… by cuttings
You can also cut and propagate cuttings in spring. The cuttings can be cut in a length of five to ten centimeters below a leaf node. The lower pairs of leaves are removed so that the cutting can put its energy into developing the roots.
The cuttings are planted in potting soil and covered with a foil hood. Whether the propagation was successful can be seen when the first new leaves appear. The young plants can be separated into separate plant pots and transferred to the bed from mid-May.
Detect diseases and pests
Scented nettles are hardy plants with no specific diseases. Damp weather is less well tolerated. Then powdery mildew can occur. Slugs also like to attack the scented nettles.
Overwintering scented nettles
A few species are considered to be very hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -23 degrees. Scented nettles are usually considered frost-resistant and can survive outdoors at temperatures as low as minus ten degrees.
A covering of brushwood or garden fleece protects against severe frost. Potted plants are brought indoors in autumn and are given a bright and frost-free winter quarters.