Description

Anise Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum

DEEPOT

Light: Full Sun, Partial

Moisture: Moist

Soil: Well-drained, sandy

Height: 2-4 feet

Bloom Season: June–September

Bloom Color: Lavender/purple

Benefits: Edible Herb, Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Pollinators

Deer Resistant: Yes

Notes:

Anise hyssop is a perennial herb in the mint family, noted for its mid- to late summer bloom of purple flowers and its anise-scented leaves. The square stems are clad with lanceolate, opposite, soft green leaves, up to 4 inches long, with toothed margins. The tiny tubular flowers are densely packed on showy, cylindrical, terminal flower spikes that are 3–6 inches long.

The long blooming season of Anise hyssop attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and many types of bees (native, honey and bumble). The aromatic leaves are edible by humans and can be used in fresh salads or to make herbal teas and jellies. The seeds can be added to cookies or muffins. The flowering spikes are lovely additions to flower arrangements, and the dried leaves are great in potpourris.

In a landscape, Anise hyssop is an excellent small shrub to add color and aroma to herb or butterfly gardens, borders, or mixed beds. The extended bloom period makes it a great plant for mass plantings. Water young plants deeply while the roots develop. Once established, this plant is drought tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to promote additional blooms. Plants will spread by rhizomes and self-seeding.