Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a fragrant perennial herb prized for its showy purple flower spikes and highly attractive foliage. Blooming midsummer through fall, it draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden with long-lasting floral displays. Perfect for pollinator gardens, cottage borders, sensory plantings, and meadow landscapes, this hardy perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and offers strong vertical interest with minimal maintenance.
Features
- Tall purple flower spikes that bloom through summer and fall.
- Non-GMO Agastache foeniculum seed variety.
- Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Hardy perennial tolerant of drought once established.
- Aromatic foliage suitable for sensory gardens.
- Ideal for borders, wildflower meadows, and pollinator habitats.
Specifications
- Common Name: Anise Hyssop, Giant Hyssop
- Scientific Name: Agastache foeniculum
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Bloom Color: Lavender to purple spikes
- Foliage: Fragrant green leaves
- Height: 2–4 feet
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Heirloom: Yes
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Organic: Not certified organic
- Light Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, average soil
- Water Needs: Low to moderate once established
- Bloom Season: Summer through fall
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds)
- Drought Tolerance: High after establishment
- Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
- Seed Viability: 2–3 years when stored properly
Planting Guide
- Sow indoors or direct sow outdoors after frost danger passes.
- Press seeds lightly onto the soil surface—do not cover deeply.
- Provide light for germination; avoid burying the seed.
- Keep soil moist until seedlings establish (germination 7–21 days).
- Transplant outdoors when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves.
- Choose full sun for best bloom and vertical growth.
- Water regularly during early growth; reduce watering as it matures.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering.
- Allow late-season seed heads to mature if self-seeding is desired.
