Is Anise Hyssop A Perennial?

Anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum, is a short-lived herbaceous perennial with blue flowers and fragrant foliage that can be used as an ornamental or in the herb garden.

What is the difference between anise hyssop and hyssop?

Anise Hyssop (Agastache) is not the same as Hyssop (Hyssopus). Anise Hyssop is Native to North America and a member of of the mint family, while Hyssop spp is a member of the carrot family and native to Europe. They are completely different genus and species!

What is anise hyssop good for?

Early Americans harnessed its medicinal powers and found that Anise Hyssop worked as a cough suppressant, fever reducer, and sore throat ameliorator – an ideal solution for common colds and flus. Since the plant has antibacterial qualities, it was also used in salves to treat wounds, burns and infections.

Is anise herb a perennial?

Anise is a pretty perennial herb, but it can do more for you than add visual interest to your garden. Growing medicinal anise plants and harvesting the seeds means you can add this natural, herbal remedy to both your kitchen and your medicine cabinet.

Should anise hyssop be deadheaded?

Anise hyssop can also be deadheaded and shaped lightly from spring until mid-summer. Suspend any trimming thereafter, as it may force tender, new growth that can be damaged when cool weather appears. Such light pruning will allow you to remove spent flowers and prevent seed heads and prolific self-seeding.

Will hyssop survive the winter?

Adding a protective layer of organic mulch during the winter also helps a hyssop plant survive the cold, but if the ground in your area freezes during winter, wait until several frosts have occurred.

Is anise hyssop toxic to dogs?

Hyssop oil is toxic to dogs and other animals when ingested. It is used topically to prevent Lyme disease in dogs when applied to tick bites. Consuming the plant in large doses can cause respiratory tract irritation and seizures.

Does anise hyssop like sun or shade?

Anise Hyssop prefers full sun but will tolerate part shade. It is hardy up to zone 5. Seeds will germinate better if cold stratified. Plant them 1′ to 1.5′ apart in well-drained soil.

What part of anise hyssop is edible?

Both the flowers and leaves of Anise-Hyssop are edible. The leaves have a pleasant mild licorice/anise flavor while the flowers add a hint of floral sweetness. Harvested fresh, leaves can be added to summer pasta dishes or cold vegetable soups.

Is anise hyssop the same as lavender?

Also called fragrant, lavender, or blue giant hyssop, this is an aromatic herb. The leaves have a refreshingly sweet smell and taste, like a combination of anise, licorice, and mint. Arranged in opposing fashion, the leaves are medium green, and shaped like spears with scalloped edges.

Does anise come back every year?

Anise is an annual that lives its entire life in one growing season. It’s a fast grower, however, and can be grown easily and quickly from seed. The seedlings do not transplant well, so seeds should be sown directly in the pot you plan to keep the plant in.

When should I plant anise hyssop?

Plant Anise Hyssop in spring after the last frost. Establish seedlings any time until early summer. Space 18 to 24 inches apart in borders, wildflower gardens, herb gardens, or butterfly gardens (or as specimens in containers).

Is anise hyssop easy to grow?

It is easy to grow and rarely needs staking. Plants grown from seed may bloom the first year. Anise hyssop is easily started from seed and often blooms the first year, but also can be propagated in spring or fall by division of plants that spread by rhizomes.

Should hyssop be cut back in the fall?

1. Prune hyssop any time from early spring to midsummer. Do not prune the plants after late summer because this will cause new growth to emerge late in the season, and it can be damaged in the first autumn frost.

How do you winterize hyssop?

Winter Care
Analyze your climate to determine when to trim back the stems of your anise hyssop. In a mild winter climate, like USDA zone 9, use your pruners and cut the woody growth back in late fall for a more compact plant shape the following year. Delay pruning of your anise hyssop if you live in a cold climate.

Where does hyssop grow best?

Hyssop is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in Zones 4 to 9. It prefers well-draining, fertile loam, but it will tolerate poor, dry, sandy soil as well. Hyssop does well in a generous pH range of 6.6 to 8.5. It loves full days of warm sun but will tolerate partial shade.

How tall does anise hyssop grow?

two to four feet tall
Anise hyssop is a perennial plant in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-8. It prefers well-drained soil in part sun to full sun. The plant grows from two to four feet tall.

Why is my hyssop dying?

Root Rot. Root rot, as the name implies, is a disease that causes roots of growing hyssop plants to rot. You might notice yellow leaves or stunted growth, but the only way to be sure you have the disease is to check the roots.

What can I plant with hyssop?

Companion planting: Grow hyssop with lavender, rosemary, garlic chives, and catmint. Hyssop repels flea beetles and other pests; it lures cabbage moths so it can be used as a trap plant. Hyssop attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Is lavender poisonous to dogs?

The lavender plant contains a compound called linalool, which can be toxic to animals like dogs and cats. However, the plant has such small concentrations of linalool that toxicity is not a common issue. The problem happens when dogs ingest an enormous amount of lavender.

Where is anise hyssop native to?

northern North America
Anise hyssop is a perennial plant native to north-central and northern North America, including the Great Plains and parts of Canada; wild anise hyssop is most-often found in openings in dry upland forests, and the upland areas of prairies.