Agastache foeniculum Blue Spike - Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a perennial plant, often grown as an annual. 'Blue Spike' displays long violet-blue flower spikes all summer long. Its aromatic light green leaves can be used as a herb in teas and savoury dishes. Loved by bees and butterflies, it is perfect for bringing colour and harmony to the wilder areas of the garden. It can also be grown in pots. Anise hyssop enjoys full sun or semi-shade and cool, well-drained garden soil.

Agastache foeniculum (or A. anisata), commonly known as Anise hyssop or Liquorice mint, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America. It cross-pollinates easily with other Agastache species and has no trouble self-seeding. Depending on the climate and the soil type, the plants will reach a mature height of 45 to 120 cm. 'Blue Spike' forms bushy, well-branched, upright clumps. The angular stems bear triangular, pubescent, light green leaves with toothed margins (8 cm long). From July to October, beautiful flower spikes appear, about 4 to 8 cm long, densely covered with small, blue, purple or white tubular bilabiate flowers. Wild varieties have blue flowers held in a mauve calyx. Both leaves and flowers give off an intense aroma with notes of lemon, mint and anise.

Anise hyssop is a vigorous plant that is easy to grow. It withstands light frosts of about -7°C. It looks wonderful in natural, informal borders and cottage gardens. In the herb or vegetable garden, it can be grown alongside thyme, savory, chervil or basil. The dried flowers keep very well in bunches. The dried leaves are traditionally used in herbal teas or as an anise substitute for cooking.