Monday, December 27, 2010

Anise-Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum

Agastache foeniculum
 Anise-Hyssop

Flowering now, this metre high short lived perennial herb is familiar to many who keep bees as it is a great source of nectar over the summer. It is native to the United States and Canada and is much loved for the aniseed scented leaves which are suitable for use as a herbal tea, and for the tall spikes of lavender blue flowers. It is an easy plant to grow and is not troubled by pests and diseases and not particular as to soil or water. A Dutch raised hybrid between this species and the Korean A rugosa is worth looking out for as it has up to 120 spikes of flowers on each plant. It is called 'Blue Fortune'.

1 comment:

  1. Australian Cricket IS 'The (new) Ashes'. I have never heard of this herb. It sounds interesting. I will keep my eyes open in case it pops up in a nursery near me.

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