Another personal favorite, Agastache foeniculum has much to offer humans and wildlife alike. It is a member of the mint family, and emits a lovely fragrance as such. Blooming in early to mid summer, its showy purple flowers attract and support native miner bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds with abundant nectar. Seeds are eaten by songbirds in fall and winter. It also supports at least three Lepidoptera species as a host plant. Blossoms are edible, and can be used as a pretty garnish for salads or can be steeped for tea. Leaves are edible as well, and taste of anise (hence the common name). My wife makes a delicious anise hyssop simple syrup with them.
Anise hyssop (aka “Hummingbird mint”) has a delightful growth habit - erect and compact - suitable for the most formal gardens, and breathtakingly beautiful when planted en masse. A bonus benefit of the beautiful scent and strong black-licorice flavor is that deer and rabbits tend to avoid this species. Plant it in full - partial sun in well drained soil and you’ll have a perennial favorite for years to come.
Sun: full - partial sun
Height: 3-4’
Flower color: purple
Bloom time: June - September
Wetness: medium wet - dry
Soil: well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil
Another personal favorite, Agastache foeniculum has much to offer humans and wildlife alike. It is a member of the mint family, and emits a lovely fragrance as such. Blooming in early to mid summer, its showy purple flowers attract and support native miner bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds with abundant nectar. Seeds are eaten by songbirds in fall and winter. It also supports at least three Lepidoptera species as a host plant. Blossoms are edible, and can be used as a pretty garnish for salads or can be steeped for tea. Leaves are edible as well, and taste of anise (hence the common name). My wife makes a delicious anise hyssop simple syrup with them.
Anise hyssop (aka “Hummingbird mint”) has a delightful growth habit - erect and compact - suitable for the most formal gardens, and breathtakingly beautiful when planted en masse. A bonus benefit of the beautiful scent and strong black-licorice flavor is that deer and rabbits tend to avoid this species. Plant it in full - partial sun in well drained soil and you’ll have a perennial favorite for years to come.
Sun: full - partial sun
Height: 3-4’
Flower color: purple
Bloom time: June - September
Wetness: medium wet - dry
Soil: well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil
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