Anise Hyssop - Agastache foeniculum -  €9 per plant 

Anise Hyssop is a delightful herb that to our surprise has survived three winters, one of which was extremely harsh, in our garden in Shipka. This is a herbaceous perennial that dies back every year and re-grows in the spring producing bountiful spikes of purple flowers much loved by the bees and butterflies. The leaves make excellent tea and are also great in salads, imparting a anise flavour. We have the plant in sunny spots through out the garden. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region:Western N. America - Ontario to Washington, south to Colorado.
  • native habitat: Dry thickets, fields and waste ground on prairies and plains
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • The young growth in spring is very susceptible to slug damage

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun or part shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a - 9b
  • Prefers dry or moist soil   
  • Mulch heavily in the winter

Known hazards 

  • None known

Overview

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.9m by 0.4m
  • It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • habit: multi-stemmed
  • height x width (m): 0.9x0.4
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: 

Products 

  • Leaf:The strongly aromatic leaves makes a great tea. The leaves can also be used to liven up a salad, the leaves imparting  a taste and aroma of anise
  • Medicinal: An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of colds, fevers, weak heart etc

Functions, behaviours


  • Flowers irregularly
  • The flowering plants are very attractive to bees and butterflies
  • Insect pollinated

If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project