Agastache foeniculum 'Anise Hyssop'

Agastache foeniculum, also known as Anise Hyssop, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is native to North America, and is known for its tall spikes of tubular, brightly colored purple or blue flowers that bloom typically from mid to late summer. The flowers are usually purple or blue, but can also be pink, lavender, or white. Each flower spike can be up to 8 inches long and the flowers are very attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. They are also long blooming, usually lasting for several weeks. The leaves of the plant have a licorice or anise scent, and can be used in cooking or as tea.

Agastache foeniculum grows to be 2-3 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy or rocky soil, but it prefers a slightly alkaline soil pH of 6.0-7.0. The plant will grow in a wide range of climates and temperatures. It's hardy to zone 4 and can be grown as an annual in zones where it is not winter hardy. Good air circulation is important to prevent powdery mildew.

Photo attributions:

Photos 1 & 3: dedicated work within the public domain.

Photo 3: Potentillarecta, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons