UK compost
What compost for agastache 'blue fortune' in the UK?
Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
More about agastache 'blue fortune' in the UK
Which compost agastache 'blue fortune' needs
For agastache 'blue fortune' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Sharp drainage is key; tolerates poor, dry and rocky soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Heavy, wet clay shortens its life — improve drainage with grit. Rich soil produces lush but floppier growth.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows agastache 'blue fortune' perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the agastache 'blue fortune' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Agastache 'Blue Fortune' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for agastache 'blue fortune' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Sharp drainage is key; tolerates poor, dry and rocky soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Heavy, wet clay shortens its life — improve drainage with grit. Rich soil produces lush but floppier growth. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for agastache 'blue fortune'?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for agastache 'blue fortune'. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow agastache 'blue fortune' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does agastache 'blue fortune' need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does agastache 'blue fortune' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Well-drained, average to lean soil. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More agastache 'blue fortune' care
See the full agastache 'blue fortune' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.