Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is one of the most generous plants in the herb garden - tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers from midsummer until frost, fragrant blue-green foliage with a sweet anise-mint character, and a seemingly endless procession of bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies working the flowers from morning to evening. The dried flowers and leaves make an exceptional herbal tea with a naturally sweet, anise-like flavor that needs no added sweetener. It is beautiful, useful, fragrant, and easy to grow.

Growing Information
Anise Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates a range of conditions including dry soil and heat, performing well in Missouri summers. Plants reach 2-4 feet tall and self-seed readily - allow some plants to go to seed each year for a continuous garden presence, or deadhead for a tidier planting. Hardy throughout most of North America; dies back in winter and returns reliably. A long-blooming, low-maintenance perennial that earns its space in every medicinal herb garden.

Traditional Use
Anise Hyssop is native to the north-central prairies of North America and has been used by various Native American peoples of the plains and Great Lakes regions, who valued the aromatic leaves primarily for teas and as a flavoring. The Cheyenne, Ojibwe, and other nations incorporated it into their herbal practices. It has been embraced by contemporary herbalists for its pleasant flavor profile, gentle character, and the ease with which it grows. The leaves and flowers are harvested at peak bloom for teas and aromatic preparations.

Care on Arrival
Water upon arrival and settle in a sunny spot for a day before transplanting. Anise Hyssop is adaptable and establishes readily. Plant after your last frost date in well-drained soil. It does not need rich soil and actually performs well in average to lean conditions. Water during establishment, then reduce frequency. Expect flowers in the first season. Allow some self-seeding for a continuous presence, or deadhead spent spikes to encourage continued blooming through the season.

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Anise Hyssop anchors a collection of aromatic native herbs. Pair with Rose Mint Agastache for color variation within the same genus. Catmint and Hyssop extend the blue-purple aromatic theme. For a complete native pollinator garden, combine with Echinacea, Wild Bergamot, and Goldenrod for season-long bloom and wildlife value.

At Zenobia's Garden, every plant is grown on our 8-acre farm in Perry County, Missouri - tended by hand with attention to soil health, plant vitality, and botanical integrity. We grow medicinal herbs because we believe in them, and we want the plants that leave our farm to thrive in yours. Questions about your order or your plants? Reach us at susan@zenobiasgarden.com - we're growers first, and we're happy to help.