Mexican Giant Hyssop - Agastache mexicana - €14 per plant  

We started growing this plant from seed last year. Having brought the plants in for winter we have been enjoying teas made from the fresh leaves. Mexican Giant Hyssop is a herbaceous perennial, when exposed to winter conditions outside will die back and re-grow in the spring producing bountiful spikes of purple flowers much loved by the bees and butterflies. The leaves pep up spring and summer salads imparting an anise flavour. Can be planted in drifts in dappled shade or full sun.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region:Southern N. America - Mexico.
  • native habitat: not known
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

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

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun or dappled shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7a - 10b
  • Prefers dry or moist soil   
  • Mulch heavily in the winter

Known hazards 

  • None known

Overview

  • €4 per plant 
  • Established seedlings
  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.8m by 0.3m
  • It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September.
  • 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 deep shade.
  • It prefers dry or moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial  
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: multi-stemmed
  • height x width (m): 0.8 x 0.3
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: 5yrs

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

Functions, behaviours

  • Flowers irregularly
  • The flowering plants are very attractive to bees and butterflies
  • Insect pollinated 
  • Withstands temperatures down to about -40°c when dormant
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project