Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a delightful perennial herb that adds both beauty and fragrance to the garden. Anise Hyssop is a striking perennial herb, non-native to Florida, that brings vibrant color, fragrance, and ecological value to the garden. Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, it produces showy spikes of lavender to purple flowers that bloom generously through the season, while its softly aromatic leaves release a mild anise scent when touched. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this adaptable plant prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Once established, it is drought-tolerant. When planting, space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for its clumping growth habit.
In the kitchen, its leaves can be used fresh in salads, as a seasoning, or dried for herbal teas and potpourris, offering a flavor often compared to tarragon or Thai basil with a citrusy aftertaste. Traditionally, Anise Hyssop has been used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes, including treating coughs and fevers. Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, it is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, with its long blooming period providing a vital source of nectar and pollen.
- Perennial herb
- Non-native to Florida
- Size: 2-4 ft. tall
- Flower: Lavender to purple
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture: Well-drained
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Soil: Fertile, neutral pH
- Highly attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
/mp