The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Anise hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

ag-ah-STAK-ee foe-NIK-yew-lum Audio

A classic plant for both herb gardens and borders, anise hyssop is composed of erect branches of mint-and-licorice-scented, medium green leaves ending in fuzzy spikes of small lavender flowers. The plant grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 1 foot wide and reseeds freely. The flowers are edible and are charming when crumbled into salads. The flowers are highly attractive to numerous pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsPollinators love the flowers. Foliage is fragrant. This plant is resistant to deer and drought.

CareProvide full sun and moist to dry, well-drained soil.

PropagationDivide clumps in spring, or transplant self-sown seedlings.

ProblemsOccasional downy mildew may occur.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Doug Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area.
Buy at Amazon

Johnny’s Selected Seeds Connecta® Cultivation Kit

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Choose the right tool head for the job and switch out quickly with a simple push-button release. Includes the Connecta receiver, Connecta Collinear 4 head, Connecta Collinear 7 head, Connecta Contour Wire 4 head, Connecta Contour Wire 6 head, a sustainably harvested oiled ashwood handle, and a stainless-steel carrying clip.
Buy at Johnny's Selected Seeds

Hunter Industries MP-1000-90 Hunter Nozzle

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- 8' to 15' radius with an adjustable arc of 90° to 210°, radius can be reduced by up to 25% to fit landscape needs
- Double-pop technology flushes the nozzle during start-up and shutdown to prevent clogging
- Wind-resistant, multi-directional streams provide even coverage
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Agastache
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 11, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Characteristics : Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Deer Resistant, Fragrant Foliage, Self Seeds
  • Uses : Color, Dry areas, Foundation Plantings, Front Yard, Sun
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Late Summer, Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest, Summer Interest
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Foliage Color : Green
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Purple

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening – Issue 222
February Does Have a Purpose After All | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 219
All Gardens Have Teachable Moments | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.