Anise Hyssop, or Agastache foeniculum, is a favorite herbaceous perennial that feature vibrant blue-purple blooms and foliage that has a licorice scent. Here’s why Anise Hyssop is the perfect addition to your garden:

Blooms: Small lavender-purple to blue blooms appear on terminal spikes in the summer and last through the fall. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms. 

Foliage: The licorice-scented foliage is popular to use for culinary purposes. Harvest the leaves to add to salads or to flavor tea with. The scent also repels deer, making Anise Hyssop a great addition to keep deer out of the garden.

Sunlight: Anise Hyssop can take a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial-shade to dappled sunlight. Their tolerance to shade makes them highly versatile in the landscape. 

Water and Soil: Anise Hyssop grows well in average soil, but is particularly at risk of root rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. Anise Hyssop will grow and self-seed optimally when planted in an area with well-draining soil.

Planting: Sow Anise Hyssop seeds directly in the garden after the last frost has passed. Follow the seed packet instructions for planting depth, though it is typically recommended not to bury Anise Hyssop seeds more than 1 inch deep. Seeds are expected to germinate in 1-4 weeks.

Landscape Use: Anise Hyssop is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, mixed landscape beds, or to attract pollinators to vegetable gardens. They also work well as borders or planted together in small groups.