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AGASTACHE also known as blue giant hyssop, anise hyssop, licorice mint and brittonastrum |
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AGASTACHE also known as blue giant hyssop, anise hyssop, licorice mint and brittonastrum |
| Agastache foeniculum,
or licorice mint, is a perennial that supplies nectar for Skippers
and other butterflies and goldfinches as well. The Cree, Cheyenne and
Lakota used it as medicine. It grows to about 36 inches tall with edible
flowers. This is one of the few mints that is not invasive. The white
form matures two weeks later than the blue but has a more subtle flavor
for tea and salads. The foeniculum, Golden Jubilee, is the first variety
that has golden foliage. Bred by Sahin Zaden b.v in Holland it has won a
2003 Quality Award in the Fleuroselect trials across Europe. Hardy in
zones 3 to 8 flowering from June through October in most areas. The blue
is referred to often but it looks purple to me (Nita). It is considered
a good bee plant as well as being favored by butterflies.
It will flower the first year planted making it an excellent bedding plant. General Instructions:
Description: Silvery-green foliage which is scented of Aniseed. Flower spikes of blue appear during summer. Bees, butterflies and goldfinches love it! Sowing Instructions: Sow February to July in trays or pots of good seed compost in a warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 60-65F (15-18C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14 - 30 days. Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed. Space the plants 30cm (12in) apart in full sun. Aftercare Instructions: Prefers a rich, light, well drained soil. May need a little winter protection in the form of a mulch of leaves or compost in very cold areas. |
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USDA Plant Classifications the Agastache page |
| HONEY BEE AGASTACHE Agastache hybrid These compact, well-branched 2-3 foot perennials produces 4-6 inch spikes of blue or white flowers over a long summer season. Butterflies love them. Foliage carries a pleasant mint like scent. Winter hardy to zone 5. HEATHER QUEEN |
