Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), also known as Hummingbirds Mint, is a clump-forming perennial plant that adds perfect vertical lines to any landscape. It produces vertical spikes which hold onto tubes of lavender flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Its leaves emit an anise scent when bruised, and they are sometimes used in herbal teas and jellies. It’s both hardy and easy to care for and attracts pollinators. It is a member of the Mint family, Lamiaceae.
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Meaning and symbolism
Agastache foeniculum has a history in the language of flowers, where it was commonly used to stand for ‘hospitality’.
This was because, in certain cultures, it was believed to have medicinal properties which had a calming effect on guests: it was thought to drive away anxiety and a bad mood from the host. In its native range, it was also associated with courage and intensity.
History, mythology, and religious significance
Anise Hyssop is a long-beloved plant, primarily because of its many uses spanning numerous cultures and continents. In Greek mythology, the plant was consecrated to the gods and used in the Greek rituals of purification. It was also used in weddings, funerals, and feast offerings. In the medieval era, it was believed to bring courage and strength to the carriers of its flowers. In Native American culture, it was primarily used for medicinal purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, this plant was used to treat stomach problems and improve overall digestion. Anise Hyssop can also be found referenced in many different religious texts, due to its symbolism.
Flower varieties and their defining characteristics
The following varieties of Agastache foeniculum are: Anise Hyssop ‘Liquorice Blue’ (sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Godetia’), Anise Hyssop ‘Sulfur Yellow Cat’, Anise Hyssop ‘Grape Jelly’, Anise Hyssop ‘Magenta Shoes’, and Anise Hyssop ‘Red Sprite’.
The ‘Liquorice Blue’ variety has medium-green foliage, with purple stems and violet-blue tubular flowers. The ‘Liquorice Blue’ variety grows up to three feet tall.
The ‘Sulfur Yellow Cat’ variety has finely-cut grayish-green foliage and pale yellow tubular flowers. It grows up to three feet tall.
The ‘Grape Jelly’ variety has deep purple foliage with dark purple tubular flowers. It grows up to two feet tall.
The ‘Magenta Shoes’ variety has deep green foliage with purple stems and magenta tubular flowers. It grows up to four feet tall.
The ‘Red Sprite’ variety has medium-green foliage with red tubular flowers. It grows up to two feet tall.
How to plant
Anise Hyssop can be grown outdoors in the garden or in containers. When planting in the ground, it is important to choose a location that has full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. If planting in containers, it is important to make sure the pots have drainage holes. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and a light fertilizer may be used to promote healthy growth. When growing Anise Hyssop in containers indoors, it is important to remember to move it outside occasionally to get plenty of sun. Anise Hyssop thrives in temperatures between 65-75 degrees F. (18-24 degrees C).
How to pot and repot
When potting Anise Hyssop, choose a pot with good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. To ensure good drainage, use a potting mix that contains a combination of peat moss, compost, and perlite. Make sure the pot is about twice the size that the plant currently is and make sure it is heavy enough that when you water the pot does not tip over. When repotting Anise Hyssop, it is best to do it when the plant is actively growing. Go up one pot size each time and make sure the new pot is clean and has been soaked in a dilute bleach solution before use.
How to prune
Anise Hyssop can be pruned in the early spring and late fall. For best results, prune the plant back to two to three inches above the soil line, or up to one foot if the plant is older. This will encourage the plant to produce bushy growth and new shoots. When pruning in the fall, it is best to leave some of the stems and foliage in order to provide protection from the cold winter months.
How to propagate
Anise Hyssop can be propagated through seed, division, and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed propagation is done by harvesting the seeds from the plant at the end of the season and planting them in the early spring. Division is done by cutting the root ball into sections and repotting into new containers. For semi-hardwood cuttings, which is the easiest and most successful method, it is best to take the cutting in early summer when they are young and flexible, and root them in a mix of perlite and peat moss. Once the cuttings are planted and soil is lightly pressed in around them, they should be kept moist and lightly shaded.
Common pests and diseases
Anise Hyssop is subject to several diseases and pests, some of which can cause serious damage to the plant. Common diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, crown rot, and Verticillium wilt, all of which can cause foliage spots, yellowing leaves, and wilting. Common pests include aphids, snails, slugs, and spider mites, which can cause plant stunting, discoloration, and defoliation. To prevent disease and pest damage, it is important to practice good sanitation and provide plenty of air circulation. Always clean up leaves and debris that may have fallen around the plant and avoid planting in low-lying or poorly draining areas.
Three frequently asked questions about Agastache foeniculum
Q: Is Agastache foeniculum a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Agastache foeniculum is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year.
Q: How often should I water Anise Hyssop?
A: Anise Hyssop should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch below the surface.
Q: How can I get more flowers on my Anise Hyssop?
A: Anise Hyssop can be induced to flower more by deadheading the spent blooms regularly. As well, it can be fertilized in the early spring and late fall with a low nitrogen fertilizer to promote more blooms.
Fact sheet
| Plant | Agastache foeniculum |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 1-4 feet |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, sandy |
| Soil pH | 5.5-7.5 |
| Bloom Time | Summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Violet-blue to red |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-10 |
| Native Area | North America |
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