Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop, Blue Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop, Lavender Hyssop) — dense, terminal spikes of tiny, tubular, lavender-blue flowers arising from purplish calyxes from mid-summer until autumn. A good pick for pollinators, fully hardy, full sun (tolerates very light partial shade, but prefers a hot, open, south- or west-facing aspect).
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🌿 Grown at our London nursery — collect in person or arrange local delivery
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Product features
Botanical name: Agastache foeniculum
Common name: Anise Hyssop, Blue Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop, Lavender Hyssop
Height: 60cm to 1.2m
Spread: 45cm to 60cm
Foliage: Ovate, serrated green leaves, highly aromatic with an anise/liquorice scent when crushed
Flower: Dense, terminal spikes of tiny, tubular, lavender-blue flowers from mid-summer until autumn
Attractive to wildlife: Yes; exceptionally attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies — a premier nectar plant
Soil Type: Well-drained loam, sand, or chalk
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established
Hardy: Yes (RHS H6, down to -20°C) provided soil is free-draining in winter
Position: Full sun (tolerates very light partial shade)
Evergreen: No; herbaceous, dies back in late autumn
Suitable for: Wildlife and pollinator gardens, gravel gardens, prairie schemes, herb gardens; leaves are edible for teas and salads
Materials and care
Aspect: Best suited to open, south- or west-facing positions
Soil type: Prefers moderately fertile, loamy, or sandy soils
Drainage: Essential — free-draining conditions needed to avoid root rot
Watering: Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature
Deadheading: Cut back faded flower spikes in summer for a secondary flush
End of season: Leave dried flower heads over winter as a food source for birds
Pruning: Cut the plant down to the base in early spring
Fertiliser: Avoid heavy feeding — rich nutrients reduce foliage scent
Propagation: Divide root clumps in spring, take softwood cuttings, or allow to self-seed
