Anise hyssop

Anise Hyssop

Botanical name: Agastache foeniculum

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 100 cm

Position: Full sun / part shade

Soil preference: Well drained

Description

Anise hyssop is a short-lived, herbaceous perennial growing in an erect, upright bush to over 1 m. The plant has strong square stems, paired oval leaves with pointed tips, and mauve flower heads up to 20 cm in length that grow in terminal spikes. The aerial parts of the plant have a sweet licorice or anise flavour.

Uses

Culinary – The leaves and / or flowers of anise hyssop make a delicious iced tea. Finely chopped leaves and flowers can be sprinkled over vanilla ice cream, used in cream cheese spreads, or added to fruit salad. Anise hyssop honey is good as a sweetener in hot drinks or drizzled over pancakes and French toast. 

Medicinal – Cooling and refreshing, anise hyssop makes a delicious tea, which has traditionally been used for many things such as breath freshener, to buoy the spirits, to gently relax the nervous system, and to settle gastric upset.

Known to have antimicrobial properties, anise hyssop has been used topically in washes to treat abrasions and infections. It has also been used by some herbalists, in formulas, to help aid in the treatment of respiratory infections. An infusion of the leaves can also be made to treat colds and fevers.

Household – Include anise hyssop  in incense or smudge stick mixtures for its sweet and pleasing aroma.

Companion planting - The long-lasting flowers provide copious nectar and attracts bees and butterflies into the garden.

Growing conditions

Anise hyssop grows best in full sun in any well-drained soil. It is sensitive to overwatering and does not grow well in poor or overly rich soil. Plants may die in winter if the soil is too wet.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant in a biodegradable coir pot.