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Agastache fennel

Name: Agastache fennel
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Anise Hyssop

Latin name Agastache foeniculum

Quantity per packet Minimum 200 seeds

Anise Hyssop strongly supports biodiversity by attracting a wide range of pollinators for several months. Its aromatic foliage and edible flowers also bring valuable culinary interest to herb gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameAnise Hyssop

Latin nameAgastache foeniculum

FamilyLamiaceae

TypePerennial flower

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 200 seeds

Product
description

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a fragrant North American native perennial celebrated for its tall spikes of lavender-purple flowers and aromatic green foliage with a sweet anise fragrance. Blooming generously from June through September, it adds striking vertical interest to perennial borders, wildflower meadows, and pollinator gardens. Reaching approximately 100 cm (39 in) in height with a spread of 35 cm (14 in), it creates a graceful, colorful presence while providing outstanding ornamental beauty, ecological value, and culinary appeal. Hardy to -34°C (-30°F), Agastache foeniculum thrives in Canadian gardens and returns reliably each year when grown in well-drained soil.

Anise Hyssop grows best in full sun to light partial shade in fertile, well-drained sandy to loamy soil with moderate moisture. Sow Anise Hyssop seeds on the soil surface, as light promotes germination, either indoors from March to April or directly outdoors in spring. Keep the growing medium consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10 to 30 days at temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F). Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial requires only moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. A light application of compost each spring is all that is needed to support vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

In the garden, Anise Hyssop pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, and Goldenrod, creating vibrant naturalistic plantings rich in biodiversity. Its nectar-rich flowers continuously attract native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, making it one of the finest pollinator plants for ecological landscapes. The edible leaves and flowers, with their delicate anise and fennel flavor, can be enjoyed fresh or dried in herbal teas, salads, desserts, and refreshing beverages. Whether grown in containers or directly in the garden, Agastache foeniculum provides fragrance, movement, and months of pollinator activity while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of the landscape.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodStart indoors from March to April or sow outdoors in spring

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time10 to 30 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by dividing mature clumps in spring.

Growing
method

Sow Anise Hyssop seeds on the surface of a moist growing medium, as light promotes germination. Start seeds indoors from March to April or sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring. Maintain a temperature of 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) and consistent moisture until germination, which usually takes 10 to 30 days. This perennial prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil but also tolerates partial shade. Once established, it withstands moderately dry periods. It attracts many pollinators and may self-sow naturally in favorable gardens. Its hardiness makes Agastache foeniculum an excellent plant for ecological landscapes in Canada and the USA.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Rich, well-drained sandy to loamy soil. This plant prefers fertile soil without excess moisture and tolerates slightly dry conditions once established.

Soil pH6.0 to 7.5

Watering

Water moderately and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilization

A light application of mature compost in spring is usually enough to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove the dry stems that were left standing through winter and apply a thin layer of compost around the plants. During summer, water only during prolonged dry periods, as Anise Hyssop tolerates moderate drought once established. Deadhead a few spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. In fall, leave the flower spikes standing to feed birds and protect the crown. This species requires little maintenance once well established.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)

Anise Hyssop is especially easy to grow in containers thanks to its adaptable root system and good tolerance of dry conditions. Use a pot at least 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) wide, filled with a light, well-drained potting mix. Place the container in a sunny location to encourage abundant flowering and strong nectar production. Water moderately, allowing the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings. Container culture also brings the flowers closer to patios and balconies, where hummingbirds and pollinators can be observed easily.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its abundant fragrant blooms provide an exceptional nectar source for pollinators while its aromatic edible foliage adds culinary value. This perennial combines beauty, biodiversity, and usefulness in one garden plant.

Garden use

Anise Hyssop is ideal for pollinator gardens, perennial borders, wildflower meadows, herb gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Its tall flower spikes create attractive vertical structure while continuously drawing beneficial insects, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It pairs beautifully with Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Goldenrod, and ornamental grasses. The cut flowers, edible blooms, and aromatic leaves further increase its value in the garden.

Bloom period

Blooms from June through September, producing abundant nectar for pollinators.

Flower colorLavender purple

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

Flowers in the second year, sometimes in the first year

Fruiting

Small capsules containing many viable seeds that may self-sow naturally.

Wildlife appealHummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

Size
and facts

Height100 cm (39 in)

Spread35 cm (14 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-34°C (-30°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Colibristrue

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Purple Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Bee Balm, Goldenrod

Avoid planting with

Mint, Lemon Balm, Tansy, Horseradish

Recipe
and inspiration

The leaves and flowers release a fragrance reminiscent of anise and fennel and can be used fresh or dried in herbal tea. They also flavor salads, desserts, lemonades, and herb blends. The edible flowers beautifully decorate dishes while adding a mild, slightly licorice-like taste. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the usable season.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Anise Hyssop seeds? +

Anise Hyssop seeds are usually started indoors from March to April or sown directly in the garden in spring once temperatures warm. The seeds need light to germinate well and should not be buried deeply.

Why does Anise Hyssop attract so many pollinators? +

Its long nectar-rich flower spikes continuously attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through much of the summer. Anise Hyssop is one of the best nectar plants for natural pollinator gardens.

Is Anise Hyssop edible? +

Yes. The leaves and flowers have a pleasant anise flavor and can be used in herbal tea, salads, desserts, lemonades, or as aromatic garnishes.

Can Anise Hyssop be grown in containers? +

Yes. Anise Hyssop adapts very well to container growing as long as drainage is excellent and the plant receives several hours of sun each day.

How do you care for Anise Hyssop in Canada? +

Cut dry stems back in spring rather than fall to help protect the crown during winter. A light mulch and an annual application of compost are generally enough to maintain vigorous growth.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.