Finding a reliable source for that tall, violet-blue spike that draws hummingbirds from across the yard is harder than it looks. Many starter plants arrive stressed, root-bound, or dead on delivery, leaving gardeners frustrated and out of pocket. The smartest path to a thriving garden often starts with fresh seeds or well-packaged live perennials from reputable growers.
I’m Min — the co-founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. I’ve spent dozens of hours comparing germination rates, plant size upon arrival, packaging quality, and customer-reported survival outcomes to separate the growers who deliver from those who ship compost.
This guide examines seven distinct ways to get the fragrant, pollinator-magnet known as agastache black adder into your garden — from bulk seed vaults to pint pots — so you can plant with confidence.
How To Choose The Best Agastache Black Adder
Agastache is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Whether you buy seeds or live plants, success depends on three factors: source freshness, packaging that survives shipping, and matching the plant to your hardiness zone.
Seed Freshness & Germination Protocol
Seeds lose viability quickly if stored in heat or humidity. Look for suppliers who use moisture-barrier packaging — resealable mylar foil bags preserve germination rates far longer than paper envelopes. Cold stratification for 30 days before spring sowing mimics natural winter conditions and dramatically improves sprout rates for most Agastache species.
Live Plant Size & Hardening Off
Starter plants shipped in 4-inch pots are vulnerable to transplant shock. The healthiest arrivals come from nurseries that pack roots with hydrating gel, stabilize the pot inside the box with paper padding, and ship during mild weather. Plants advertised as 4 to 8 inches tall in biodegradable pots generally have a higher survival rate than those crammed into shot-glass-sized containers.
True Agastache vs. Look-Alikes
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is often sold alongside Agastache but is not edible and has a different growth habit. True Agastache — including ‘Black Adder’, ‘Blue Fortune’, and Anise Hyssop — produces licorice or peppermint-scented foliage and tubular flowers that hummingbirds prefer. Always check the botanical name before purchasing.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everwilde Farms Anise Hyssop Seeds | Premium Seed Vault | Large wildflower patches & long-term storage | 1 oz bulk, mylar resealable pouch | Amazon |
| Greenwood Nursery Agastache Blue Fortune | Premium Live Starter | Instant garden impact with two plants | 2x pint pots, fast-growing to 18″ | Amazon |
| Perennial Farm Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ | Mid-Range Live Plant | Deer-resistant garden beds | #1 container, 2–3 ft tall | Amazon |
| Clovers Garden Russian Sage Plants | Twin Live Perennials | Budget-friendly pollinator pair | 2 plants, 4″ pots, 4–8″ tall | Amazon |
| Seed Needs Anise Hyssop Seeds Pack | Budget Seed Pack | Herb garden & tea brewing | 500 seeds, heirloom, GMO-free | Amazon |
| Agastache Sunrise Salmon & Pink Starter | Budget Live Plant | Color accent in containers | Single plant, 4″ pot, zone 5–9 | Amazon |
| Perennial Farm Russian Sage | Heat-Loving Alternative | Dry, sandy soils with low water | #1 container, up to 4 ft tall | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Everwilde Farms Anise Hyssop Seeds 1 Oz
This full ounce of Anise Hyssop seeds is ideal for anyone establishing a substantial wildflower patch or pollinator meadow. The resealable triple-layer Gold Vault mylar bag keeps moisture out and preserves germination rates far better than standard paper packets — a detail that matters when storing leftover seeds for the following season.
Buyers report seeing sprouts within days when sown in warm soil, with plants reaching over three feet by mid-summer. The packet includes clear step-by-step instructions and a QR code linking to online support, removing guesswork for beginners. Cold stratification is recommended but not strictly required for these fresh seeds.
Each packet is packed by Everwilde Farms directly from their nursery in Riverside County, CA, ensuring US-based quality control. At only 0.1 pounds, the shipping weight is negligible, making this a very efficient way to fill a large garden area with a single purchase.
Why it’s great
- Mylar resealable pouch keeps seeds fresh for years.
- Generous 1 oz quantity covers large areas.
- High germination rate reported when instructions are followed.
Good to know
- Some users experienced zero germination — likely needed cold stratification.
- Botanical name is Agastache foeniculum, not ‘Black Adder’ specifically.
2. Greenwood Nursery Agastache Blue Fortune 2x Pint Pots
Greenwood Nursery ships two live Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ plants in pint-size pots, giving you a head start over direct seeding. The foliage emits a distinct peppermint-lemon scent when brushed, making this an excellent choice for patios or seating areas where fragrance adds value.
Each plant is inspected, trimmed, and watered before being sleeved in craft paper and stabilized inside a fitted corrugated box. Many customers report the plants arrived with moist soil and no broken stems, blooming within weeks of transplanting. The 14-day guarantee provides a safety net if transit stress is severe.
With a mature height of just 18 inches, ‘Blue Fortune’ is more compact than many Agastache varieties, suiting smaller gardens or front-of-border placement. It thrives in zones 5 through 9 and prefers well-drained sandy soil with full sun to partial shade.
Why it’s great
- Two healthy, well-rooted plants in pint pots for immediate garden impact.
- Fragrant foliage perfect for near seating areas.
- Family-owned nursery with responsive customer support.
Good to know
- One plant occasionally arrives with soil spillage and reduced vigor.
- More expensive per plant than growing from seed.
3. Perennial Farm Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’ #1 Container
Perennial Farm Marketplace delivers a fully rooted ‘Blue Fortune’ plant in a #1 container, which is significantly larger than the standard 4-inch pot. The deep violet flower spikes reach 2 to 3 feet tall and bloom from July through September, providing a long season of color that attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Packaging quality is a standout feature here — customers consistently mention oversized boxes with protective wrapping and soil that arrives moist. The plant is ready for immediate transplanting, and being fully rooted in the pot means less transplant shock compared to bare-root options.
Note that this seller cannot ship to several western states including California, Oregon, and Washington due to USDA restrictions. If you live in those areas, you will need to choose a different supplier for your Agastache needs.
Why it’s great
- Large #1 container plant establishes faster than small pots.
- Excellent packaging ensures healthy arrival.
- Highly deer-resistant for trouble-free gardens.
Good to know
- Cannot ship to several western US states.
- May arrive dormant if ordered between November and March.
4. Clovers Garden Russian Sage Plants (2-Pack)
Clovers Garden sends two large live Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) plants, each in a 4-inch pot and standing 4 to 8 inches tall. This is not a true Agastache, but it shares the same blue-purple flower spikes and pollinator appeal, making it a popular alternative for gardeners in zones 4 and above.
The plants are grown in the Midwest using 10x root development technology, which produces a stronger root system than typical nursery methods. Packaging is eco-friendly with a 100% recyclable box, and a Quick Start Planting Guide is included. Seasonal bloom lasts from mid-summer until the first freeze.
One important distinction: Russian Sage is NOT edible — it is strictly ornamental. The leaves can be dried for potpourri, but don’t use them for tea the way you would with true Anise Hyssop. Most customers report healthy, well-packed arrivals.
Why it’s great
- Two plants in one purchase for a very economical price.
- Strong root development from Midwest greenhouse growing.
- Blooms continuously from summer through first freeze.
Good to know
- Not a true Agastache — it’s Russian Sage, not edible.
- Some plants arrived very small and did not survive transplant.
5. Seed Needs Anise Hyssop Seeds (5-Pack Collection)
Seed Needs packages approximately 500 Anise Hyssop seeds per packet, making this an excellent budget-friendly option for starting a large garden from scratch. The seeds are open-pollinated heirloom varieties, grown without GMOs, and stored in a temperature-controlled facility to maintain viability.
Each packet displays an artful botanical illustration on the front and detailed sowing instructions on the reverse. The packaging is both tear-resistant and moisture-resistant, which helps keep the seeds fresh if you don’t plant them all at once. Many customers report seeing germination within 7 days of planting.
However, at least one verified buyer reported zero germination despite proper preparation, suggesting batch variability. The number of seeds per packet also varies — some customers felt the quantity was lower than expected. Overall, the cost per seed is very low, making the risk minimal for most home gardeners.
Why it’s great
- Heirloom, non-GMO seeds at a very accessible price point.
- Beautiful illustrated packets with clear sowing instructions.
- Fast germination reported by the majority of buyers.
Good to know
- Occasional reports of zero germination across a whole packet.
- Seed count may be lower than advertised in some batches.
6. Agastache Sunrise Salmon & Pink Starter Plant
The ‘Sunrise’ series offers unusual salmon and pink flower tones that stand out from the standard blue-violet Agastache palette. This particular listing ships a single live starter plant in what multiple customers described as a “shot-glass-sized pot” — roughly a 2-inch container rather than the standard 4-inch pot.
The plant is listed as growing up to 4 feet tall in full sun, preferring sandy soil with moderate watering. It is suited for zones 5 through 9. The color is genuinely unique among Agastache varieties and would make a striking container specimen or front-of-border accent.
Unfortunately, the customer reviews paint a concerning picture. Multiple buyers reported receiving dead or dying plants, with only about one in three surviving transplant. The very small pot size leaves the root system vulnerable to drying out during shipping. This is a risky purchase for anyone not prepared to nurse a stressed plant back to health.
Why it’s great
- Rare salmon-pink flower color not found in standard Agastache.
- Grows tall (up to 4 ft) for dramatic vertical interest.
- Attracts hummingbirds like all Agastache varieties.
Good to know
- Very high rate of dead-on-arrival plants reported.
- Extremely small pot size leaves roots exposed and dry.
7. Perennial Farm Marketplace Russian Sage #1 Container
Perovskia atriplicifolia was named the 1995 Perennial Plant of the Year for good reason — it thrives on neglect, loves heat, and produces clouds of blue-violet spikes on gray-white stems from July to September. This #1 container plant is fully rooted and ready for immediate transplanting into full sun.
The plant reaches up to 4 feet tall and spreads about 24 inches wide, making it a substantial presence in the middle or back of a border. It is highly deer-resistant, drought-tolerant once established, and pairs beautifully with lower perennials like Coreopsis or Sedum. Customers consistently praise the fast shipping and healthy arrival condition.
As with other Perennial Farm Marketplace plants, this cannot be shipped to several western states including AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, and HI. It is also not a true Agastache — it’s Russian Sage, which is in the mint family but is a different genus with different care requirements and no culinary use.
Why it’s great
- Extremely heat and drought tolerant once established.
- Large mature size (4 ft) for dramatic garden presence.
- Consistently healthy plant arrivals with excellent packaging.
Good to know
- Cannot ship to many western US states.
- Not a true Agastache — it’s Russian Sage, not edible.
FAQ
Is Agastache Black Adder the same as Anise Hyssop?
How long does it take for Agastache seeds to germinate?
Can I grow Agastache Black Adder in a container?
Why did my Agastache starter plant arrive dead or dying?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best agastache black adder overall is the Everwilde Farms Anise Hyssop Seeds because the mylar-sealed 1 oz bulk provides the highest germination reliability at the lowest per-plant cost. If you want instant garden impact with two established plants, grab the Greenwood Nursery Agastache Blue Fortune pint pots. And for a large, deer-resistant perennial that thrives on neglect, nothing beats the Perennial Farm Marketplace Russian Sage if you don’t mind a look-alike species.