How to Grow Agastache Foeniculum

Agastache foeniculum, more commonly called anise hyssop, is a North American native in the mint family. It is also called blue giant hyyssop, licorice mint or hummingbird mint. Anise hyssop reaches up to 5 feet tall and produces 4- to 6-inch-long spikes of purple flowers through the summer and into fall. Bees, birds and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers, which are edible. The entire plant has a licorice scent and flavor, and the leaves have been used medicinally to treat colds and as a flavoring in baked goods. Anise hyssop is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture gardening zones 4 to 9.

Things You'll Need

Gravel
Organic fertilizer

Garden clippers

Instructions

- 1
  Plant agastache in the spring, when frost danger is past. Mix 1 cup gravel with the planting soil around each plant to improve drainage.
- 2
  Set the plants in a sunny location. Agastache likes at least six hours of direct sun each day.
- 3
  Fertilize at the time of planting with an organic, slow-release fertilizer formulated for flowers. Fertilize again in the fall. Follow the label instructions for dosage.
- 4
  Water to a depth of 1 inch when the soil is dry at that same depth. Agastache can tolerate dry conditions and will rot if over-watered.
- 5
  Pull weeds from the flower bed and any unwanted hyssop plants. Agastache self-seeds and will spread if not controlled.
- 6
  Deadhead spent flowers by cutting them at the base of the stem to promote more flower development. Leave a few flower heads to produce seeds, which will attract birds.

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