anise hyssop – Agastache – one of my favorite plants !
Basics
Agastache is a perennial plant with lovely flower spikes that bloom all season long. The flower is usually purple to lavender, but may also bloom in pink, rose, blue, white, and orange.
It is a native of North America and its name derives from the Ancient Greek words ἄγαν (ágan) “very much” and στάχυς (stákhus) “ear of grain”, describing the flower spikes.
orange flowering variety
Culinary Use
This Genus is a member of subfamily Nepetoideae (CATNIP), which contains a large proportion of the world’s aromatic culinary herbs.
As a member of the Hyssop family of herbs – it makes a delicious flavorful tea. Leaves, seeds and flowers have a sweet anise flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are used as a flavoring in cooking and present a delicious addition to the salad bowl. Seeds are used in cookies, cakes and muffins.
the white variety makes for a great contrast
Gardening Facts
Grown as a drought-loving perennial it actually produces the best plants in full sun. It seldom gets any insects or disease issues and is a fast grower. Adapting well to windy spots it blooms all summer long well into frost. By December it dies back down in fall disappearing into the soil !
red !
It is a striking plant that has some cultivars which can grow up to 6 feet. Keep that in mind when selecting a variety !
pretty tubular yellow flowers
If you want to feed your local pollinators – this is your plant! Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is one of their favorite plants.
its one of bees favorite plants !
For the best bee, butterfly and hummingbird friendly garden ever –
Call Plant Specialists TODAY !
Don’t delay – the sooner the better !
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission from @SHUTTERSTOCK
