Illustration of A. foeniculum by John Lindley in Edwards' Botanical Register (1829). [Public Domain]
Genus: Agastache
Common Names: giant hyssops, 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
Our Selection
Agastache 'Licorice Candy'
Description: 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 well-draining soil.
Uses: 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 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: medicine, culinary- herbal tea, jelly, baked goods, to attract pollinators