Anise Hyssop Seeds / Agastache foeniculum

Description

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is one of North America’s most valuable native perennials for pollinator gardens. The Xerces Society identifies it as a top pollinator plant. Over 30 bee species, numerous butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the nectar-rich lavender-purple flower spikes. These bloom continuously from midsummer through early fall.

The aromatic foliage releases a sweet licorice scent when brushed. Both the edible leaves and flowers create delicious herbal tea with a refreshing anise-mint flavor. Native to the prairies of the upper Midwest and Great Plains, Anise Hyssop demonstrates remarkable adaptability while maintaining its wild beauty and vigor.

Once established, Anise Hyssop becomes impressively drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal maintenance. The plant self-sows readily, naturalizing in suitable conditions to create drifts of summer color.

Deer and rabbits avoid the strongly scented foliage, making this an excellent choice for gardens with browsing pressure. Though individual plants are short-lived (about 3 years), the species persists indefinitely through self-sowing and rhizome spread.

Growing Anise Hyssop

Anise Hyssop is a perennial for Zones 4-9 that requires full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds need 30 days of cold stratification before planting (winter sow in fall or refrigerate before spring planting).

Plants reach 2 to 4 feet tall, self-sow readily, and become drought-tolerant once established. Often blooms the first year from seed.

See our complete growing guide for Anise Hyssop for detailed planting and care instructions.

Anise Hyssop Plant Details:

Lifespan: Short-lived perennial (persists through self-sowing)
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1.5-3 feet wide
Bloom Time: June through September
Days to Germination: 7-28 days (after cold stratification)
Days to Bloom: 90-120 days (often blooms first year from seed)
Foliage: Medium green, aromatic (licorice scent)
Flower Color: Lavender-purple

TERMS OF SALE

Hand-packed by weight — you will receive a minimum of 200mg of seed — the maths tell me that’s about 550 tiny seeds, as well as instructions for planting and care.

Shipping Cost is Flat Rate and covers all seed orders from Southern Garden, with no additional charges, no matter how many you order.