Agastache foeniculum aka Anise Hyssop

Taxonomy

Agastache foeniculum, also known as anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop, Fragrant giant hyssop, or the lavender giant hyssop, is a perennial plant in the mint family native to north-central and northern North America. It is a drought-tolerant plant that attracts various pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees, honey bees, carpenter bees, and night flying moths. The plant has mid-green, lance-shaped leaves that taste and smell like licorice. In the summer, it produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers that are attractive to butterflies and bees. Anise hyssop is a member of the same family as hyssop, but they are not closely related. Anise-Hyssop is a rare houseplant that is easy to grow and requires regular watering. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining, and it doesn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. Agastache foeniculum belongs to the Agastache genus and is native to North America.

Common names

Anise Hyssop, Anise Mint, Blue Giant Hyssop

How to care for Anise Hyssop

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Anise Hyssop is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Anise Hyssop should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Anise Hyssop loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Anise Hyssop requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Anise Mint is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Anise Hyssop to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Anise Hyssop should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Anise Hyssop as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Anise Hyssop’s native range is Western N. America - Ontario to Washington, south to Colorado.

More info:
Wikipedia