AGASTACHE 'PAMYAT KAPELEVA'

Agastache 'Pamyat Kapelueva' – a perennial variety of agastache (Agastache), bred in 2002 at the Nikita Botanical Garden based on Ukrainian breeding work. The plant reaches a height of one to one and a half meters, has quadrangular stems, and heart-shaped-lanceolate leaves 7.5–10 cm long. The blue-lilac flowers are arranged in spike-like inflorescences 2–10 cm long; the fruit is a smooth, oblong-oval nutlet of dark brown color. Agastache flowers from June to October, with the budding period starting at the end of May and spring growth at the end of February–beginning of March.

The 'Pamyat Kapelueva' variety is characterized by a high content of essential oil (about 15% of the aerial part), primarily methylchavicol, as well as a number of biologically active compounds: ametoflavon, ascorbic, caffeic, citric, and malic acids. These substances give the plant healing properties – strengthen the immune system, aid in the treatment of bronchi, respiratory and fungal infections, lower blood pressure, and help in fighting atherosclerosis and angina pectoris. Agastache also has bactericidal action, removes heavy metals and radionuclides, and improves the function of the digestive and urogenital systems.

In cooking, agastache is used as tea, compotes, salads, meat and fish dishes, as well as in baking. In cosmetics, the plant is used to strengthen hair roots, smooth wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. Agastache is a powerful nectar source: it attracts bees and bumblebees, providing a good nectar yield. The plant prefers loose fertile soils with a neutral reaction of the environment, is drought-resistant and grows well on light soils. It is propagated by seeds or by dividing the bush; when growing in a garden, it is recommended to carry out 3–4 inter-row tillage, 2–3 weedings, and feeding with nitrogen fertilizers (for example, ammonium nitrate) and superphosphate. Agastache 'Pamyat Kapelueva' is suitable for bordering, mixed flower beds, and alpine slopes, and can also be used in landscape construction and greening.