How to Grow and Care for Anise Hyssop Flowers

Agastache foeniculum

Anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is a short-lived, edible herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae, or mint family.

It’s a native plant suited to gardens in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Long used in culinary and medicinal applications, its erect stature and spikes of lavender blossoms make a striking statement in the garden.

Close up of a clump of flowering anise hyssop growing in a backyard setting.

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In this article, you will learn all you need to know to grow and care for anise hyssop.

Here’s what’s in store:

Don’t be deterred by the “short-lived” description. Although A. foeniculum has a lifespan of about three years, it self-sows readily and has a vigorous root system, enabling it to naturalize in open spaces.

Whether you plan to enjoy it as an ornamental, or harvest the leaves and flowers for their flavor and restorative properties, this deer- and rabbit-resistant herb brings much to the home garden.

Let’s learn all about it!

Cultivation and History

The name “anise hyssop” is somewhat confusing, as it is neither anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) or star anise (Illicium verum), nor hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis).

It grows wild in northern regions of North America, sprawling across open prairie land and creating vast stretches of lavender blossoms from June to September.

A vertical close up of the delicate, upright purple flowers of anise hyssop, growing in the garden, with light green foliage.

Erect, square stems rise from thick rhizomes, and plants have a bushy, clumping growth habit.

Mature heights are between two and four feet, with a spread of one and a half to three feet.

Also called fragrant, lavender, or blue giant hyssop, this is an aromatic herb. The leaves have a refreshingly sweet smell and taste, like a combination of anise, licorice, and mint.

Arranged in opposing fashion, the leaves are medium green, and shaped like spears with scalloped edges. In the spring, the foliage may be tinged with purple.

Rising above the paired leaves are spikes of light blue, lavender, or purple unscented blossoms. They are tiny, lipped, and tubular.

Each is filled with rich nectar, and is the perfect length for insects with a long proboscis, such as mining bees, to take a sip. Hummingbirds love to visit these flowers as well, and the plants are sometimes also referred to as hummingbird mint.

Herbalists, including Native Americans, have used the edible flowers, leaves, and stems of A. foeniculum for centuries in preparations believed to have an array of beneficial properties.

The blossoms are often eaten as a salad garnish, and fresh or dried leaves may be brewed into a soothing tea.

Propagation

There are three ways to propagate anise hyssop. Let’s look at each method:

From Seed

A. foeniculum seeds germinate well after exposure to cold and moist conditions. This process is called cold stratification.

The best way to start seeds is to sow them directly into the garden in early fall, so they can experience natural cold stratification during the winter months.

Unlike many seeds, those of A. foeniculum need light to germinate. Moisten the soil and sprinkle on them on top about three inches apart, then gently press them down.

Keep the soil moist over the winter months, watering just before it completely dries out.

In the spring, the seeds will sprout.

When the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves and are fairly sturdy, thin them to a distance of one and a half to three feet apart, depending upon the mature width of the variety you have sown.

You can check your seed packet to determine the mature dimensions. Expect blooms in the first year after sowing.

Alternatively, you can manually replicate the cold stratification process.

To do this, store seeds on top of a layer of moist potting medium or sand, and place in the fridge for about a month before sowing.

To get a jump-start on the growing season, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last average frost date in your area.

Transplant seedlings to the garden when they have at least two sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed.

Or, direct sow cold-stratified seeds outdoors after the last average frost date has passed, for flowers in the second year.

By Division

In early spring when the first signs of new growth appear, or in late fall as winter dormancy begins, you can divide existing clumps to make new ones.

This is an excellent way to replicate hybrid varieties, as the seeds from hybrids do not produce the exact traits of the parent plants. In addition, some are infertile and produce no seeds at all.

You’ll need a clean, sharp shovel and some elbow grease. Please see our guide to dividing perennials for full instructions.

Stem Cuttings

Another way to begin is with semi-soft stem cuttings. This method is also a good way to clone hybrids.

In early summer, after the new, soft growth of spring has begun to firm up and before budding, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the tip of a growing stem to a length of about six inches.

Strip the bottom leaves to reveal a bare stem that is two to three inches long. Dip the stem into powdered rooting hormone and place it in a container filled with your choice of potting medium to a depth of at least two inches.

Place the stem cutting in a bright location, out of direct sunlight. Water before the potting medium completely dries out to maintain even moisture, but never allow it to become soggy.

At first the stem will wilt, but it will soon perk up. When new growth is evident, you’ll know it has grown roots.

Transplant the rooted cutting to the garden. It will wilt again, at first, but will rebound in time. Maintain even moisture while the young plant becomes established.

How to Grow

With seeds, divisions, or stem cuttings, you are ready to introduce A. foeniculum to the garden.

A close up of a garden border with Agastache foeniculum, displaying purple-tinged foliage and long upright flower heads.

Here’s how:

Choose a full sun location in your garden. Part shade is acceptable, particularly in warmer climates.

Do not cultivate near black walnut trees, as A. foeniculum does not tolerate juglone toxicity.

The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It can range from organically rich to poor, provided it is well draining.

If you are not sure of your soil’s pH, you can conduct a soil test through your local agricultural extension.

Before planting, work the soil to a crumbly consistency. If you are working with dense or clay soil, loosen it by working in a layer of builder’s sand.

If you need to increase acidity, you can add leaf mulch or compost. These soil amendments will also help to improve drainage.

A close up of the light green foliage of Agastache foeniculum, with a small bright pink flower just beginning to bloom.

If you direct-sow seeds, moisten the soil and press them gently into the top of the soil, but do not cover them. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.

To transplant seedlings, wait until they have two sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, and then harden them off. To do this, set them outside in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time spent outdoor gradually over the course of a week.

After hardening off, transplant seedlings to the garden and keep them evenly moist while they become established.

Transplant stem cuttings when they show signs of new growth. Keep them evenly moist while they make the transition and begin to settle in.

Remember that wilting during periods of transition is to be expected, and this is usually brief.

Once established, water as needed to keep the soil from completely drying out, but not so often as to oversaturate it.

Growing Tips

  • Use cold, moist stratification and start seeds indoors in the spring, or sow outdoors in the fall, for flowers in the first season.
  • Provide excellent drainage to prevent oversaturation.
  • A. foeniculum doesn’t like wet feet, so water when there’s still a hint of moisture in the soil, but before the ground dries out completely.
  • Expect wilting during periods of transition, but know that plants will soon rebound.

Maintenance

Once established, most native species require little supplemental water and care. However, there are some things you can do to keep your plants healthy and happy.

A vertical close up picture of a bee feeding on a purple anise hyssop flower in the bright sunshine, pictured on a green, soft focus background.

Keep the planting area clear of weeds to reduce competition for water and nutrients, maintain good airflow, discourage pests, and inhibit disease.

Fertilize with an all-purpose, well-balanced product, such as 10-10-10 (NPK), in the spring.

Deadhead spent blossoms by cutting them off at their points of origin, to encourage more blooming at intermittent intervals.

You can also prune deeply after the first flush of blooms, to a maximum of one-third the size of the clump, to promote a second flush.

Prune lightly just above a leaf node for more bushy growth, and remove damaged stems as needed.

Check plants regularly for signs of disease. Act promptly to remove and dispose of affected material, or treat as needed. We’ll discuss possible issues shortly.

This is a species that self-sows, so if you don’t want an abundance of seedlings next spring, deadhead spent flowers before they have a chance to go to seed.

Cultivars to Select

In addition to the true species as found in nature, there are cultivated varieties of A. foeniculum. Some are hybrids of A. foeniculum and Korean mint, A. rugosa.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Botanical Species A. foeniculum

The species as found in nature has pale lavender flower spikes and medium-green foliage.

A close up of Agastache foeniculum growing in the garden, with light purple flowers and green foliage.

Botanical Species A. foeniculum

Stems reach mature heights of three to four feet, in two- to three-foot-wide clumps.

Find plants in three-inch containers available from Nature Hills Nursery.

A close up square image of anise hyssop flowers growing in the garden.

A. foeniculum

If you prefer to start from seed, you can pick up packets of 100 at Earthbeat Seeds.

Blue Boa

This cultivar has impressive spikes of deep blue-violet blossoms and gray-green foliage.

A close up of the bright flowers of Agastache foeniculum 'Blue Boa,' pictured in a backyard setting.

‘Blue Boa’

Mature plants reach between two and three feet tall, with a spread of 14 to 18 inches.

Find ‘Blue Boa’ now from Nature Hills Nursery.

Little Adder

This variety has spikes of violet-blue flowers and medium-green foliage.

A close up of the purple flowers of Agastache foeniculum 'Little Adder' growing in the garden, with foliage in soft focus in the background.

‘Little Adder’

It has a smaller stature than some of the others, topping out at 15 to 18 inches tall, and 18 to 22 inches wide.

Find A. rugosa ‘Little Adder’ now from Nature Hills Nursery.

Managing Pests and Disease

As a native plant, anise hyssop is not prone to trouble from pests.

A close up of a bee feeding on the tall, upright flower stem of Agastache foeniculum, pictured in bright sunshine in the summer garden.

However, it may become vulnerable to fungal disease in the presence of excess moisture, due to:

  • Inadequate air space between plants
  • Overwatering
  • Poor drainage

High relative humidity between plants that prevents moisture from evaporating, and pooled water on foliage and in the soil, can create an environment conducive to fungal growth.

This can lead to the onset of various fungal diseases. The main ones to be aware of are:

In the event of a fungal infection, remove and dispose of affected foliage, and treat with a fungicide as per package instructions.

Best Garden Uses

I have always enjoyed growing anise hyssop. It is a favorite of pollinators like the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that feed on its nectar, and the birds, such as goldfinches, that adore the seeds.

A close up of a clump of Agastache foeniculum, with tall upright flower stems, pictured in a backyard setting.

And, as a native species that requires little maintenance and water once established, it’s suitable for xeriscaping.

Whether you’re looking for an exciting, flavorful addition to the herb garden, or an ornamental that doesn’t appeal to deer or rabbits, it is well worth your consideration.

Here are some ideas for introducing A. foeniculum to your outdoor living space:

Plant it in butterfly and wildflower gardens where pollinators feed.

Give it a drift of its own where it can spread unchecked, as it does in the wild.

If you can only spare it a few pots on the patio, so be it. Choose large containers with 18- to 20-inch rims and a depth of at least 12 inches for ample root space.

Add it to the cutting garden for a ready supply of stems for fresh or dry vase arrangements.

A. foeniculum pairs well with a host of perennials that also appreciate room to roam, perhaps through a meadow or sprawling border, including:

And finally, it’s a winner in foundation beds. Choose a mid-height variety for a center placement, or a taller one for a rear position, to create a spiky blue, lavender, or purple backdrop for lower-profile front-of-bed specimens.

Harvesting and Preserving

Anise hyssop leaves can be used in cooking as a substitute for mint. They make a refreshing addition to fresh fruit cups and summer salads.

A close up of the delicate lavender flowers of Agastache foeniculum growing in the garden, with blue green foliage in soft focus in the background.

To harvest fresh leaves, pinch them off as needed, or store them in a zippered plastic bag in the fridge for about one week.

You may also snip off flowers or entire flower heads just before they are fully open, to use as garnishes on special desserts.

And, if you like to arrange flowers and foliage, you can cut entire stems just as the flowers are beginning to open, to display in vase arrangements.

You may also enjoy dried anise hyssop.

A vertical close up picture of a bunch of anise hyssop and coneflowers with their stems tied into a bunch, and hung upside down against a wooden fence to dry.
Bunches of coneflower and anise hyssop dry upside-down.

To dry leaves, flowers, and stems for culinary purposes, as well as floral arranging, harvest stems when most of the flowers have opened, but before they are full-blown and ready to drop.

The best time to cut them is after the morning dew evaporates, and before the day gets hot.

Cut the stems as long as you like. Bunch them with twine and hang them upside down in a location that is airy, warm, and dry. Darkness may help preserve their color. Allow about two to three weeks for the stems to fully dry.

To store, use airtight jars to hold crumbled leaves, flowers, and stem portions. They should retain their best flavor for about one year.

We have more tips on drying and storing herbs here.

To harvest seeds for sowing in the garden or sharing with friends, wait until the flowers drop and the seed pods form.

A vertical close up of the dried seed heads of Agastache foeniculum on a soft focus background.

Gather the stems, and bunch and hang them as described above, but with a clean cloth or paper bag placed underneath to catch seeds that fall as they dry.

Another method of seed collection is to tie paper bags around the flower spikes after they finish blooming, to catch the seeds before they fall to the ground. This can be tricky, though, since they grow upwards!

Sow saved seeds immediately or store in a labeled envelope for sowing as needed.

Quick Reference Growing Guide

Plant Type:Short-lived herbaceous perennialFlower / Foliage Color:Blue, lavender, purple / green
Native to:Northern USTolerance:Deer, drought, rabbits, varied soil types
Hardiness (USDA Zone):4-9Soil Type:Average
Bloom Time / Season:SummerSoil pH:6.0-7.0
Exposure:Full sun to part shadeSoil Drainage:Well-draining
Spacing:1.5-3 feetAttracts:Bees, beneficial pollinating insects, butterflies, goldfinches, hummingbirds
Planting Depth:Surface sow (seeds)Companion Planting:Bee balm, brown-eyed Susan, coneflower, globe thistle, Joe pye weed, ornamental grasses, Russian sage, yarrow
Height:2-4 feetAvoid Planting With:Black walnut
Spread:1.5-3 feetUses:Beds, butterfly gardens, containers, cut flower, drifts, dry flower, herb gardens, meadows, perennial borders, wildflower gardens, xeriscaping
Growth Rate:FastOrder:Lamiales
Water Needs:Low to moderateFamily:Lamiaceae
Maintenance:LowGenus:Agastache
Pests & Diseases:Crown root rot, leafspot, powdery mildew, rustSpecies:foeniculum

Beneficial and Beautiful

The eye-catching spikes of anise hyssop add color, texture, and fragrance to a variety of garden settings.

As a native species, it’s a practical choice that’s both low-maintenance and water-wise, spreading via rhizomes and self-sowing in ideal growing conditions.

In addition, it is an excellent food source for local pollinators.

A close up of a clump of Agastache foeniculum, with tall upright flower stems, pictured in a backyard setting.

If you like this plant, another lavender-hued herb you may enjoy cultivating is lavender itself, also known as Lavandula. You can check out our growing guide to learn more.

Does anise hyssop grow in your garden, and do the deer leave it alone? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share a picture!

And for more information about growing flowers in your garden, try these guides next:

© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published February 20, 2019. Last updated: June 4, 2020. Product photos via Earthbeat Seeds and Nature Hills Nursery. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock.

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About

Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she’s always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project!

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Lori
Lori (@guest_6321)
3 years ago

I have many anise hyssop plants in pots around my home in NYC. They continue to enter anywhere in other planters and even grow right out of the breaks in the sidewalk pavement. I wonder if I should snip the top leaves to make the plant bushier? If not, I do enjoy having this lovely plant in my environment just the way it grows.

Nancy
Nancy (@guest_6809)
3 years ago

Just planted this last summer! Deer proof! Very hardy in north jersey.

Jenifer
Jenifer (@guest_6853)
3 years ago

Hi I am obtaining a few of these plants from a neighbor. Do I plant them individually or in a group of 2-3?

Gina
Gina (@guest_7080)
3 years ago

This is 2nd year putting them to soil… this time better grade and direct sown; but I am seeing variant seedling leaves coming up in my planted area. Seed packet melted by wind and rain. What does the upshoot look like? I’m not pulling ANYTHING until [I’m sure]!

jodi
jodi (@guest_7230)
3 years ago

Hello, I have six plants which are now large enough to handle and I am keen to plant them out. I have heard that mint can often be invasive. Please can you let me know if I need to be worried about adding this plant to my borders?

All the way from London, UK.

Thanks

Nan Schiller
Nan Schiller(@rellihcsnan)
Gardening Writer
Reply to  jodi
3 years ago

Hello Jodi –
In ideal conditions, anise hyssop spreads readily via thick roots and self-sowing.

Ramiro Torres
Ramiro Torres (@guest_7641)
3 years ago

Hello Nan, I had two of these in my backyard. They only lasted 2 years, this summer they completely died. I live in Minneapolis…I love them. Please advise.

Nan Schiller
Nan Schiller(@rellihcsnan)
Gardening Writer
Reply to  Ramiro Torres
3 years ago

Hello Ramiro –
What a shame! Anise hyssop is a short-lived perennial that lasts two to three years. However, it is a vigorous self-sower, so it usually perpetuates itself for many years via seeds. If there are no plants this year, it’s possible that the soil isn’t draining well, and the plants and even the seeds rotted over the winter.

Sally Burrell
Sally Burrell (@guest_8058)
3 years ago

I find anise hyssop delicious and have been enjoying new generations ever since a friend gave me starts from her yard 10 years ago. I eat it in salads, add it to pesto and make tea with it. And as Nan mentioned, the pollinators love it and it’s beautiful in bouquets and in the garden. I cut it back to use the greens several times a season before it blooms.

ilisa
ilisa (@guest_8856)
3 years ago

Just wanted to share my hyssop!

EB667918-0E6D-40CF-9491-E41E0A4D9438.jpeg
B2CA3308-6158-4EE0-BD29-2DE24962DD3F.jpeg
Danielle Dutsch
Danielle Dutsch (@guest_9492)
3 years ago

Hi I’m just wondering if I can plant this next to mint under a navel orange tree. I’m in hot Phoenix so the shade of the orange tree I was hoping would help keep it safe.

Allison Sidhu
Allison Sidhu(@allison-sidhu)
Reply to  Danielle Dutsch
3 years ago

This should be fine, just keep in mind that the roots of both herbs may compete a bit for space and nutrients as they mature and spread. I’m growing anise hyssop in full sun in a container in southern California, with bougainvillea and sweet alyssum, and it does well here- but since mine doesn’t have afternoon shade readily available, it requires more frequent watering than yours likely would, and taller stalks droop in the afternoon.

The flower stalks are beautiful, and pollinators love them. Enjoy!

marie
marie (@guest_10148)
3 years ago

I have a plant purchased from a garden center. Transplanted to a container when the plant was at about 8″ high. Found one morning that about 1/3 of the plant had been chewed down, assuming deer, but after learning that deer and rabbits avoid it, I’m assuming it was our resident, pesky groundhog.

Allison Sidhu
Allison Sidhu(@allison-sidhu)
Reply to  marie
3 years ago

Groundhogs seem like they’ll eat just about anything! As for nibbling on hyssop – I wouldn’t put it past them. In my own garden in southern California, the squirrels have been chomping on my marigolds throughout the season. Most gardeners will tell you that squirrels typically avoid these flowers, but sometimes the idea of a tasty snack is in the eye of the individual beholder – particularly at times of year when other food sources are scarce. Thankfully, they’ve left my hyssop alone. 😉 Where are these plants growing? Fortunately they respond well to deadheading. You may be able to… Read more »