Agastache foeniculum

Agastache foeniculum: Anise-Scented Elegance with Pollinator Power

Agastache foeniculum, commonly known as anise hyssop, is a standout native perennial that offers fragrance, beauty, and unmatched pollinator value. Upright spikes of soft lavender-blue flowers appear from mid to late summer, rising above aromatic, toothed green foliage with a distinct licorice scent. Beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, this long-blooming perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an essential component of prairie-style gardens, pollinator plantings, and sunny borders. With its easygoing nature and ecological benefits, Agastache foeniculum is a garden classic that belongs in every sun-drenched space.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Reaches a height of 90–120 cm, adding vertical form and softness to the back or middle of borders.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 45–60 cm, forming an upright, bushy clump that maintains a tidy habit.
• Flower Colour: Soft lavender-blue flower spikes bloom in dense clusters above the foliage.
• Flowering Period: Blooms from mid to late summer into early fall with minimal maintenance.
• Foliage: Aromatic green foliage with a pleasant anise scent; fine-textured and attractive through the season.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers full sun; tolerates light shade but flowers best in open, sunny locations.
• Soil Requirements: Requires well-drained soil; performs well in sandy or average soils. Drought tolerant once established.

Uses and Benefits: Agastache foeniculum is a magnet for pollinators, making it a cornerstone in wildlife-friendly and native plant gardens. Its tall, airy blooms provide colour and movement, while the scented foliage adds another layer of sensory appeal. With excellent drought tolerance and deer resistance, it’s an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscapes, cut flower gardens, and naturalistic plantings. A North American native, it also plays a valuable role in supporting regional ecosystems.

Companion Plants: Pair Agastache foeniculum with Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus'—their shared bloom time and upright forms create a bold, bee-friendly duo with a rich palette of purples and blues. Add Achillea 'Moonshine' for a bright pop of lemon-yellow and contrasting texture, enhancing visual interest while thriving in the same dry, sunny conditions. To complete the design, include Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'—its upright, architectural habit and swaying blades add structure, movement, and seasonal contrast. This trio forms a vibrant, low-maintenance, and pollinator-rich planting for full sun borders.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, Agastache foeniculum is drought tolerant and thrives with minimal care. Avoid overly rich or wet soils to prevent root rot. Deadhead to encourage continued bloom, though plants often self-seed attractively. Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

History: Native to the prairies and open woodlands of North America, Agastache foeniculum has long been valued for its ornamental, aromatic, and medicinal properties. Used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for teas and remedies, it now enjoys popularity in modern gardens for its pollinator appeal and prairie aesthetic. Its resilience, adaptability, and ecological value continue to make it a favourite in native and naturalistic plantings.

Final Thoughts: Agastache foeniculum brings charm, fragrance, and biodiversity to the garden with little demand. Its upright spikes, scented foliage, and continuous blooms attract beneficial insects while adding height and texture to sunny spaces. Whether planted en masse or woven into a mixed border, this anise-scented perennial brings lasting beauty and natural vitality to the summer landscape.