I Have Genuine Magnetism

Perennial of the Week: Agastache ‘Anise Hyssop’

Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies simply cannot resist Agastache, also known as Anise Hyssop. Thanks to its aromatic leaves and gorgeous flowers, gardeners can’t seem to get enough of this licorice-scented plant, either.

A sun lover of the first order, Agastache is also deer resistant and drought tolerant. It prefers well-drained, average soil. Left uncut, its seed heads will provide interest in the garden in the autumn and even into the winter. Agastache foeniculum produces seeds that are a favorite of the American Goldfinch. Many of the hybrid varieties of Agastache are sterile and will not produce seed. In general, Agastache prefers to be cut back when spring returns.

It’s name, which has been pronounced numerous ways, is Greek for “many spikes,” an apt description of Agastache’s prolific blooming habit.

This plant produces long-lasting blooms in a variety of shades that range from white to pink, mauve, and purple. Varieties currently being grown at Rohsler’s include Blue Fortune, Rosie Posie, Cotton Candy, Red Fortune, Purple Haze, and Little Adder. All of these can be found at the nursery in pots carrying the Rohsler’s Grown logo.

Over time, Agastache has been used as a tisane. Its flower petals lend flavor to jellies, and its seeds are used in cookies. We encourage you to use Agastache as an integral part of your pollinator garden. Plant it now and just sit back and enjoy the show.