Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop)

Native perennial • Fragrant leaves • Hummingbird magnet

Agastache foeniculum is a fragrant, nectar-rich native mint with upright violet flower spikes through summer. Incredible performer in pollinator gardens, cottage borders, and sunny native plantings.

Light

• Full sun to light part sun
  
  

• Best blooming in 6–8 hours direct sun
  
  

More sun = taller spikes + heavier bloom.

Water

• Moderate water first season
  
  

• Drought tolerant once established
  
  

• Deep watering beats frequent surface watering
  
  

Avoid soggy soil—Agastache dislikes wet roots.

Soil

• Well-draining soil is essential
  
  

• Sandy or gravelly is ideal
  
  

• Avoid heavy clay without amendment
  
  

Thrives in poor soils surprisingly well.

 Zones & Hardiness

• USDA Zones 4–9
  
  

• Handles heat and cold
  
  

• Strong perennial in SC
  
  

•  Blooming

• Mid-summer through fall
  
  

• Continuous spikes attract:
  
  

  • hummingbirds
    
    

  • butterflies
    
    

  • bees
    
    

  • swallowtails
    
    

  • bumblebees
    
    

Also strongly aromatic when brushed or crushed.

Growth Habit

• Upright clumping herbaceous perennial
  
  

• 2–4 ft tall
  
  

• Expands slowly (not invasive)
  
  

• Fragrant mint-like foliage with anise/licorice notes
  
  

Edible / Herbal Notes 

• Leaves traditionally used for tea
  
  

• Mild anise flavor
  
  

• Planting Notes

Depth:

• Plant at soil level
  
  

Spacing:

• 18–24 inches
  
  

Divide every 3–4 years if needed to refresh vigor.

Best Landscape Uses

• Pollinator gardens
  
  

• Hummingbird gardens
  
  

• Native prairie designs
  
  

• Herb borders
  
  

• Sensory gardens
  
  

• Cottage gardens
  
  

• Drought-tolerant beds
  
  

Companion Plants

Pairs beautifully with:

• Monarda
  
  

• Coreopsis
  
  

• Liatris
  
  

• Rudbeckia
  
  

• Asclepias
  
  

• Solidago
  
  

• Blue grama & little bluestem grasses
  
  

Native Value

One of the longest-blooming nectar sources. Tremendous midsummer resource for pollinators and beneficial insects, often preferred by bumblebees.

 Common Issues

Root rot

Caused by wet clay or soggy soil.

Weak bloom

Needs more sun.

Floppy stems

Too much shade or excess nitrogen.