Agastache foeniculum, commonly known as anise hyssop, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family. Native to North America, it thrives in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and features square stems with opposite, lance-shaped, and toothed leaves.
The flowers of Agastache foeniculum are arranged in dense spikes at the top of the stems. Blooming from mid-summer through early fall, these flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They are available in shades ranging from lavender-blue to purple-pink.
The leaves of Agastache foeniculum emit a strong anise or licorice scent when crushed or rubbed. They can be used fresh or dried for making tea, as well as for culinary purposes, such as flavoring salads or desserts.
Agastache foeniculum is easy to grow in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, though it can also tolerate partial shade. It requires moderate watering but should not be overwatered, as this may lead to root rot.
Overall, Agastache foeniculum is a beautiful ornamental plant that adds aesthetic value with its attractive flowers while also serving an ecological purpose by attracting pollinators to your garden space.
The name "anise hyssop" can be misleading, as this plant is not related to either the anise seed plant or the star anise plant. Nonetheless, it is used in the same way as these plants for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Anise hyssop is fairly disease-resistant and usually not affected by illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These infestations are typically mild. For care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Anise hyssop is well suited for people with outdoor areas like a garden or patio and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Agastache Foeniculum.
Light
Anise hyssop prefers plentiful sunlight for healthy growth but can tolerate places with only moderate light. This preference comes from its native habitat. Too much sun can be harmful, while too little light limits growth and flowering. Its sun needs may change during different stages of development.
Water
Anise hyssop, native to the prairies of North America, thrives with moderate moisture and regular weekly watering. It is ideal for rain gardens, as it adapts well to seasonal rainfall patterns, promoting water conservation in its natural habitat. To ensure healthy growth, this perennial herb needs care that mimics its native environment.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Anise hyssop is a temperate herb that favors a temperature range of 41 to 90 ℉ (5 to 32 ℃). It is native to North American prairies and woodlands, where it grows in soils that are well drained and not waterlogged. In colder regions, the plant may go dormant during winter but will return in spring as temperatures warm.
Fertilizer
Usually one fertilizer application in spring is enough for Anise hyssop, although repeated feedings can maximize growth. Apply fertilizer every month to six weeks. Fertilizing improves the leaves' look and function, helping them keep an even color and healthy texture. It also encourages root development and better nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.
Pruning
Anise hyssop is known for its aromatic leaves and bright purple flowers, making it a great addition to gardens. To keep it healthy, prune the plant between early and late spring. Start by removing dead stems and thinning out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Cutting the plant back to one-third of its height encourages bushier growth, more blooms, and overall better health.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Anise hyssop, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Toxicity
Both the flowers and the leaves of Anise Hyssop are edible. Anise Hyssop is from the mint family and it somehow resembles the taste of mints. It is totally safe and can be added to pasta dishes or vegetable soups.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Agastache
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 0.61 m to 1.22 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Lavender, Purple
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- North America
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Anise hyssop effectively?
To properly water the Anise hyssop, it is recommended to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles that can affect the plant's health. Since the Anise hyssop thrives in warmer environments, it is important to use water at room temperature or slightly warmer to avoid shocking its system. Avoid using overhead watering as it can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, apply the filtered room temperature water directly to the soil until it is completely soaked. This helps moisten the roots and allows them to spread and gather the necessary nutrients from the soil.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Anise hyssop plant?
The main structure of the Anise hyssop is made up of its leaves, and fertilization is an impactful way to ensure that the leaves look great and function properly. Proper fertilization will help maintain consistent color and a healthy texture in the leaves. Fertilization also works below the surface to generate new roots and maintain existing ones in the root system. This will keep the plant healthy and improve its ability to absorb nutrients from the soil in the future.
What are the sunlight requirements for Anise Hyssop?
Anise hyssop requires full sun to partial sun exposure for healthy growth. Full sun means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily, while partial sun refers to about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to monitor the movement of sunlight through your garden to ensure spots provide the right balance of light and shade. This balance ensures the plants' happiness and optimal growth. Anise hyssop is adaptable but thrives best with abundant light, a preference that stems from its native habitat conditions.
What are the ideal growing conditions for Anise hyssop?
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) thrives in temperate conditions, preferring temperatures between 41°F (5°C) and 90°F (32°C). It is a native plant to North American prairies and woodlands, flourishing in well-drained soils and is not tolerant of waterlogged conditions. This herb demonstrates strong cold resistance and usually does not require special frost protection. In regions with harsh winters, the plant may go dormant but will rejuvenate in the spring. To prepare for winter, it's advised to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze to ensure the soil remains moist, helping the plant to avoid drought during the colder months.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Anise hyssop?
Overwatering is a common issue for Anise hyssop and can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less common due to the plant's drought tolerance, but it can make the leaves brittle and brown. It's important to recognize the signs of overwatering early to prevent irreversible damage, reducing watering and improving soil drainage can help. If underwatering occurs, simply increase watering until the plant recovers.
When should I fertilize my Anise hyssop for the best results?
If you grow Anise hyssop outdoors each year, you will notice new growth sprouting in early spring. This is a sign that it is time to start fertilizing for the year. Usually, a single application of fertilizer in the spring is sufficient for Anise hyssop. However, if you want to maximize its growth, you can fertilize multiple times during the spring and early summer. In this case, you can feed the plant once every month to a month and a half.
How does artificial lighting support Anise Hyssop growth indoors?
When natural sunlight is insufficient, especially in winter or less sunny locations, artificial lighting becomes crucial for Anise Hyssop's growth indoors. LEDs are recommended for their customizable wavelength output. Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft under artificial lights. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant, and mimic natural daylight hours, usually providing 8-12 hours of light per day to promote healthier, faster growth.
How does low temperature affect Anise hyssop, and what are the solutions?
Anise hyssop is cold-tolerant and fares best in temperatures above 5°C. However, if temperatures fall below -25°C, measures should be taken to protect the plant. In extreme cases where temperatures dip below -30°C, while the plant may not show noticeable changes during winter, its ability to sprout in spring could be adversely affected, potentially leading to decreased sprouting or complete failure to sprout. The solution for springtime is to remove any parts of the plant that have failed to sprout, encouraging healthy new growth.
How frequently should I give water to my Anise hyssop?
If your Anise hyssop plant is in a pot, you can easily check if it needs water by sticking your finger in the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water it. If you're growing Anise hyssop outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method to check the soil. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water it. Typically, during spring and early fall, you'll need to water the plant about once a week using this method. However, in very hot weather, you may need to water it twice a week or more. It's important to note that mature, well-established Anise hyssop has a good ability to withstand drought.
When is it best to not add fertilizer to my Anise hyssop plant?
During the late fall and winter, your Anise hyssop will go into a dormant phase where it stops producing new growth. It's best to avoid fertilizing it during this time. If you choose to fertilize in the spring and summer, gradually reduce the amount as summer approaches because the growth rate of your Anise hyssop will also slow down. Overall, it is not recommended to fertilize your Anise hyssop when the weather is unusually hot or when the soil is extremely dry because it can cause stress and lead to premature death.
What are the symptoms of inadequate lighting for Anise Hyssop?
Inadequate lighting can cause several symptoms in Anise Hyssop, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, quicker leaf drop, and stunted or ceased growth. New leaves may appear lighter in color or exhibit chlorosis (turning yellow), indicating a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients. Excessive sunlight exposure can also cause symptoms like sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, manifesting as pale, bleached areas or dry, crispy leaf edges.
What are the effects of high temperature on Anise hyssop and the recommended care?
During summer, it's crucial to keep Anise hyssop in temperatures below 32°C. Exposure to temperatures above 35°C can cause the plant's leaves to lighten in color, become prone to curling, and susceptible to sunburn; severe heat stress may lead to the plant wilting and drying out. To mitigate these effects, trim away sunburned and dried-up parts of the plant, move it to a shady location during the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth. Additionally, watering the plant in the morning and evening will help keep the soil moist and reduce heat stress.
