Agastache foeniculum

Agastache foeniculum: Anise-Scented Elegance with Pollinator Power

Agastache foeniculum, or anise hyssop, is a fragrant native perennial celebrated for its upright lavender-blue blooms and exceptional pollinator value. From mid to late summer, slender flower spikes rise above aromatic, finely toothed foliage, releasing a sweet licorice scent when brushed. A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this easygoing plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, adding vertical grace and ecological purpose to prairie borders, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Resilient, long-blooming, and visually soft, A. foeniculum is a true summer workhorse with enduring appeal.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a tidy, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Soft lavender-blue flower spikes
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer into early fall
• Foliage: Green, toothed, aromatic foliage with a distinctive anise scent
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun (tolerates light shade)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or average soils; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Agastache foeniculum is prized for its pollinator-attracting blooms and fragrant foliage. It shines in sunny, dry gardens, where it adds vertical interest, movement, and a long bloom window. Its licorice-scented leaves add sensory appeal, while its toughness and low water needs make it a top choice for xeriscapes, native plantings, and wildlife-supportive gardens. Deer resistant and non-demanding, it also makes a charming cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements.

Companion Plants: Pair A. foeniculum with Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' for a bold, pollinator-friendly combination with rich purple hues and sturdy vertical structure. Add Achillea 'Moonshine' for lemon-yellow contrast and soft, silvery foliage that echoes the upright form. Complete the trio with Panicum virgatum 'Northwind', whose strong vertical habit and swaying blades provide a structural counterpoint and late-season texture.

Care Instructions: Water regularly until established; afterward, it thrives in dry conditions. Avoid overly fertile or wet soils. Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent excess self-seeding if desired. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide clumps in spring to rejuvenate every few years if needed.

History: A North American native, Agastache foeniculum grows naturally in prairies and open woodlands. Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for teas and herbal remedies, it is now widely embraced for its ornamental value and pollinator support. Its adaptability and ecological benefits have earned it a lasting place in both traditional and contemporary gardens.

Final Thoughts: With its softly spired blooms, fragrant foliage, and consistent pollinator appeal, Agastache foeniculum is a standout in sunny borders and wildlife-friendly designs. Easy to grow and rewarding from midsummer through fall, it delivers effortless beauty and ecological richness in every garden setting.