Genus: Agastache

Common Names: giant hyssops, toronjil morado, hummingbird mints

A genus of 22 accepted species of which several are used in traditional medicines. In cultivation, they hybridize easily and are commonly marketed as "hummingbird mints" for their long, showy flower spikes  that attract hummingbirds as well as other pollinators.

Distribution: North America and across the Bering Strait into East Asia

Agastache 'Licorice Candy'

Description: perennial; an incredible, edible, anise-scented perennial with nonstop blooms of fluorescent rosy-purple flower spikes from summer into fall. One of our fundraiser plants. Truly a hummingbird magnet!

Height: to 4 ft.    Spread: to 4 ft.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil.

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators, culinary - edible flowers taste like sweet licorice candy and can be added to fruit salads and desserts or simply popped in your mouth for a natural breath freshener! The leaves can be added to soups or used as a tarragon substitute. 

Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below

Agastache breviflora

Common name(s): Trans-Pecos Giant Hyssop, hummingbird mint

Description: perennial; upright growth with aromatic foliage and dense, rose-purple spikes from summer into autumn. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 15 in.

Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Distribution: South West USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas) and Mexico (Chihuaha)

Agastache foeniculum

Common name(s): anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop

Description: perennial; upright and clump-forming with aromatic green leaves and lavender-purple flower spikes from summer into autumn. Seeds can be added to desserts such as muffins or cookies and leaves are often used to flavor jellies.

Height: to 5 ft. Spread: to 2 ft.

Position: full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil

Uses: medicinal, culinary (herbal tea, jelly, baked goods), to attract pollinators

Distribution: Canada and North Central USA