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.
Photo gallery credits: Ruth Oldenburg
