Species anise hyssop
Lavender-blue flowers grown over green leaves and green stems.

anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Also Known As - giant hyssop,Giant Hyssop,Fragrant Giant Hyssop,Blue Giant Hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a fantastically versatile perennial herb. It is an edible, hardy plant that can be used as both an ornamental or culinary herb. It leaves have a strong flavor of both licorice and anise, and are delicious in sauces and soups. The beautiful blooms are a wonderful addition to any garden, in shades of pink, purple, and white. The bees and other pollinators love the sweet nectar that can be found in the flowers. Furthermore, this plant is known for its ability to attract beneficial insects and repel pests, making it a great choice for the organic gardener. Anise hyssop is an amazing plant that adds beauty and flavor to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Lavender to purple Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

purple,pink,white Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) should be watered regularly and regularly to keep it healthy and thriving. The soil should be kept lightly moist at all times, but not soggy. Water in the morning or early evening, directly onto the soil. During warmer months, additional watering may be needed. Once a week during dry periods, allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Be sure not to over water, as this can lead to root rot, which can quickly kill anise hyssop.

sunlight

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) does best when grown in full sun, as it requires an average of 6 or 7 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. Anise hyssop should be placed in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade in order to prevent the intense heat from scorching its foliage. In Northern states, partial shade during the peak hours of the day may be beneficial. Plants grown in full sun will generally form more dense clumps and produce more flowers than those grown in partial shade.

pruning

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) should be pruned annually after flowering in order to promote the growth of new shoots. It is best to prune the plant once every spring while it is dormant, to ensure its healthy growth and size. It is best to prune the old stems back to 4 inches above the soil line and prune any branches that are leggy, dead, or diseased to ensure healthy growth. Pruning the plant will also encourage more branches and fuller growth. It is also important to remove any seed heads that develop, as this will attract unwanted pests to the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Agastache foeniculum typically begins in July and continues through September.

Starts Flowering

Anise hyssop typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Anise hyssop typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Agastache foeniculum typically begins in July and continues through September.

Hardiness Map