Buy agastache (anise hyssop)
Agastache is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant colours and attract pollinators. This plant features elongated leaves and upright spikes adorned with small flowers in shades of purple, blue, and white, blooming from summer to autumn. Its mint-like scent makes it a fragrant addition to any garden. As an aromatic perennial, it serves as an excellent bee and butterfly magnet. Ideal for use in a bee-friendly garden or as a fragrant border plant, Agastache complements dry borders and prairie gardens gracefully. Consider it for scented border perennials and see how it enhances your garden's appeal.
What Is Agastache? Discover the Hummingbird Mint with a Twist
Agastache, commonly known as anise hyssop, is a perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family, notable for its fragrant leaves and vibrant flowers. Often referred to as giant hyssop or hummingbird mint, this plant is popular in gardens for attracting pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Originating from North America, Agastache thrives in a range of settings such as borders, pots, and planters, making it versatile for various garden designs.
This Agastache herb is valued not only for its ornamental beauty but also its ecological role. It serves as a nectar source, promoting a healthy and biodiverse garden environment. The plant's other name, 'anise hyssop', reveals its historical medicinal use in North American traditions, particularly for respiratory issues and fever relief.
Agastache is a hardy plant that adapts well to UK climates, known for its drought tolerance and deciduous nature. With its aromatic and bee-friendly qualities, it is an excellent choice for scented border perennials and as a companion plant. Gardeners looking to buy Agastache will find it a rewarding addition, appreciated for its ease of care and ecological benefits.
How to Recognise Key Traits of Giant Hyssop Plants
Agastache is a perennial plant that thrives in gardens and is known for its aromatic properties and hardiness. This plant grows upright and bushy, often with slender spikes that are fragrant and attract bees and butterflies. The leaves are elongated, reminiscent of mint, and are a key feature of its morphology. Agastache typically spreads to form a dense clump, providing a lush appearance in any border or planter.
The development of Agastache begins with its emergence during the spring. As the plant matures, it reaches its full height, which can range from 30 cm to 1.8 m, depending on the species and growing conditions. It flourishes best when planted in well-drained soil and receives ample sunlight. The flowering period extends from June to October, offering a long season of striking blooms.
The blooms of Agastache are vibrant, with colours including purple, blue, pink, orange, white, and salmon. These colours can be influenced by factors such as the climate, soil type, and care provided. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also highly aromatic, helping to draw pollinators to the garden. The Agastache attracts insects with its fragrant flowers and is a valuable perennial in any border.
Lastly, Agastache is renowned for its mint-like scent. This aroma is most pronounced in the leaves, which can be used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The height and spread of this plant, along with its scent, make it a versatile addition to any garden, whether in a border, pot, or as part of a group planting.
Agastache has a lanceolate leaf shape that is both serrated and aromatic. The colour varies from grey-green to shades with purple undertones. These aromatic leaves help to deter herbivores, making them suitable for family-friendly gardens. In the winter, agastache is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -34°C, depending on the variety. It is typically suitable for USDA zones 4 to 8. The plant is known to be a long flowering Agastache, providing interest from summer through autumn. While agastache loses its leaves in colder climates, in milder areas it may remain semi-evergreen. The choice of variety, climate, and location will affect whether agastache retains its foliage or not. Agastache is drought-adapted, thanks to its deep root system and aromatic leaf structure. Originating from dry habitats, it can withstand heat and some level of dryness, making it ideal for low-water gardens. This plant is safe for children and pets, with no known toxicity issues. Agastache contributes to biodiversity, as it attracts bees and butterflies with its spike-shaped flowers and fragrant foliage. This helps to improve the ecosystem by offering food and habitat for pollinators, which are essential for a healthy garden environment. Overall, planting agastache can make the garden vibrant and ecologically balanced.
Using Agastache for Colourful Spires in Sunny Gardens
Agastache, a delightful addition to any garden, provides vibrant colour and attracts pollinators. Its colourful spires add charm and life to sunny spaces, making it a favourite among gardeners. Known for its fragrance, Agastache is perfect for creating a captivating atmosphere.
Agastache can be used in various ways in the garden:
Create a bee and butterfly garden by planting Agastache. Its flowers are perfect for attracting these helpful pollinators.
Use as a fragrant border plant. The pleasant scent of Agastache enhances the sensory appeal of garden borders.
Include in dry borders where its drought tolerance shines, adding resilience and beauty.
Feature in a prairie garden. Agastache's graceful blooms complement the informal, wild look of these gardens.
Use as a graceful bloom accent in pots or planters. The vertical spires add height and interest.
Ideal for group planting, Agastache works well with other fragrant herbaceous plants, creating a lush and full appearance.
Design an insect nook with Agastache to encourage biodiversity, supporting various insects.
Agastache enhances a garden's appeal with its vivid colours and delightful aroma. Whether incorporated into a thematic garden or used as an accent, it provides visual interest and ecological benefits. For those looking to transform their outdoor spaces, consider adding Agastache. Its versatility and beauty make it a wise choice for any gardener aiming to buy anise hyssop and enrich their garden with bee-friendly plants like hyssop. Pairing Agastache with Other Bee-Friendly Plants
Agastache is a stunning and aromatic perennial that fits perfectly in a bee and butterfly garden. This plant not only draws in pollinators but also complements other plants nicely. Combining Agastache with Echinacea creates a vibrant scene, offering different heights and colours while attracting bees. Pairing it with Rudbeckia brings a contrasting brightness with its yellow blooms, enhancing the garden's visual appeal. Verbena bonariensis is another excellent choice; its tall, airy presence pairs well with Agastache's bushy form, providing a delicate touch. Achillea's flat clusters add architectural interest, while Monarda's bright flowers offer a striking hue contrast.
These plant combinations work well because they all have long flowering times, ensuring the garden is lively all season. Their diverse forms and colours create layers of visual interest, enhancing the garden's structure and beauty. Agastache not only attracts butterflies but also pairs beautifully with other flowering garden plants . Together, these plants form a bee and butterfly magnet, making the garden a delightful spot for both pollinators and gardeners alike.
Perfect Soil and Exposure for Thriving Agastache (anise hyssop)
Agastache prefers full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Sun exposure helps it flourish, so choose a sunny spot in the garden. If wind is a concern, a windbreaker like a fence or hedge can protect the plants. This herb grows best in light, sandy, or loamy soils. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. Regular fertilisation promotes healthy growth.
Keep the soil slightly moist, as it adapts well to dry conditions. Factors such as wind, sunlight, and soil type can affect moisture levels. Agastache thrives when the soil pH is neutral to slightly acidic. Monitoring pH ensures the plant absorbs nutrients effectively. This fragrant herbaceous plant is a great addition to any scented border perennials. Hyssop can also be a bee-friendly plant, attracting pollinators to the garden. Consider pairing it with suitable Agastache companion plants for a vibrant display.
Hints and Best Season to Plant Agastache for Success
Agastache is best planted in the spring, allowing it to settle before winter. Pot plants can be planted year-round, except during frost, while bare-root plants are best in spring or autumn. Consider factors like plant type and growth rate. Agastache requires spacing based on its mature size and growth. Plant information, such as plants per metre, is available on the Heijnen product page. Preparing the soil is crucial for Agastache; it thrives in dry, well-drained, and calcareous soils. Remove weeds, mix compost or lava grit, and plant in a sunny spot. Agastache enjoys full sun with at least 6 hours of light. During planting, avoid planting too deeply and ensure firm soil and light watering, taking care to prevent waterlogging in winter. Using Heijnen planting soil is recommended. After planting, regular watering and fertilising are important. Agastache, including giant hyssop and hummingbird mint, is a bee-friendly, fragrant herbaceous plant with an aromatic nature, perfect for attracting bees and butterflies. With a long flowering time, anise hyssop enhances gardens with its vibrant presence.
How to Keep Your Agastache Plants Looking Their Best
Agastache, also known as anise hyssop, is a wonderful addition to any garden. It is recognised for attracting butterflies and bees while producing charming summer blooms. Caring for these plants can help them flourish throughout the seasons.
Agastache thrives in sunny locations with dry to moderately moist soil.
Perform annual rejuvenation pruning in early spring (March) to encourage healthy growth.
Ensure the plant’s shape by removing faded flowers with sharp secateurs.
Pruning helps prevent Agastache from becoming woody and maintains its flowering strength.
Fertilise Agastache in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to boost growth.
Water thoroughly once the soil is dry, especially during hot summer days.
Observe the plant's appearance to determine water needs; drooping leaves often signal thirst.
In cold climates, provide winter protection by mulching the base of the plant.
For healthy growth, transplant Agastache in early autumn after the heat of summer.
After transplanting, water well and monitor for signs of stress.
Agastache is a versatile choice for borders, pots, and group plantings, serving as an inviting nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. For those interested in expanding their collection, consider adding more anise hyssop to your garden.
The Fragrance and Floral Charm of Agastache in Bloom
Agastache is known for its beautiful, spike-shaped flowers and aromatic foliage. The flowers of Agastache come in a range of colours such as purple, blue, pink, orange, white, and salmon. Often, they are strongly fragrant, adding an appealing scent to the garden. The grey-green leaves sometimes have purple undertones and emit a delightful anise or mint aroma, making it a fragrant herbaceous choice for gardens.
Agastache is a perennial plant that is both a bee and butterfly magnet. It provides a rich source of nectar, attracting many pollinators. Additionally, its bushy, upright growth with slender spikes gives it a unique visual texture and acts as a graceful bloom accent. The plant is excellent for dry borders or prairie gardens and is known to be drought tolerant.
Agastache has a wonderful scent and effortlessly grows into a striking tall perennial . As an aromatic perennial with a long flowering time, it is highly insect-friendly and easy to combine with other plants. Its tolerance to drought and ability to attract bees and butterflies makes it an ideal choice for creating a bee-friendly plant space in the garden.
Top Agastache Varieties That Work Well in UK Gardens
Agastache, commonly known as anise hyssop, is a fragrant herbaceous plant that is popular in UK gardens. Known for its bee-friendly nature and long flowering period, Agastache varieties are perfect for scented border perennials and companion planting. Here are some of the most popular and widely used types of Agastache, suitable for UK garden conditions.
Agastache 'Black Adder' : This variety features deep purple flowers atop tall, sturdy stems. It's ideal for pollinators and provides a striking presence in any garden setting.Agastache 'Blue Fortune' : Known for its long flowering period, this type produces lovely blue flower spikes that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.Agastache foeniculum : Also known as the true anise hyssop, it has aromatic leaves and lavender-blue flowers, offering both aesthetic appeal and medicinal uses.Agastache rugosa 'Alabaster' : A unique variety with pristine white flowers, excellent for adding contrast and elegance in the garden.Agastache rugosa 'Beelicious Purple' : This compact type is perfect for smaller gardens, boasting vibrant purple blooms that are irresistible to bees.Agastache rugosa 'Blue Boa' : A robust and hardy choice, known for its rich blue flowers that appear from summer through autumn.Agastache rugosa 'Little Adder' : Smaller in stature but packed with floral power, perfect for attracting pollinators to compact spaces.Hyssopus officinalis: A classic choice with deep blue flowers, perfect for those looking to add traditional hyssop to their garden palette.
These popular and widely used Agastache varieties are available to order online at Heijnen, making it easy to enhance any garden with these beautiful and bee-friendly plants.
What to Consider When Planting Agastache in the Garden
Agastache is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts due to its vibrant colours and aromatic foliage. This plant attracts various pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden.
Advantages:
Agastache is highly insect-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
The aromatic foliage has an anise or mint scent, adding a pleasant aroma to the garden.
This plant has a long bloom period, providing colourful flowers throughout the summer.
Agastache is drought tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
It is easy to combine with other plants, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the garden.
Disadvantages:
Agastache may be short-lived, requiring periodic replanting for long-term presence.
This plant is frost sensitive, particularly during wet winters, which can affect its growth.
Self-seeding is possible, leading to potential overgrowth if not monitored.
Proper soil preparation and placement, along with regular care and timely fertilisation, can reduce the risk of diseases and pests. Always provide the best care for Agastache (anise hyssop) to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
Buy Agastache from Heijnen – Your Garden’s New Focal Point
Agastache is an excellent choice for any garden wanting to attract wildlife. Known for its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage, it is
ideal for bee and butterfly gardens. When considering a purchase, Heijnen offers top-quality Agastache that stands out with its long-lasting flowers and drought tolerance. This plant thrives in dry borders and prairie gardens, making it versatile and easy to combine with other perennials. Anise hyssop, a common variety of Agastache, is particularly cherished for its fragrant leaves, providing a delightful scent in any garden space.
The benefits of Agastache are plentiful. Its insect-friendly nature makes it a favourite for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The aromatic foliage, with hints of anise and mint, adds a sensory dimension to the garden. Additionally, Agastache blooms throughout the summer, and its seeds can be collected in autumn for propagation. Anise hyssop’s toughness means it handles the UK climate well, offering both beauty and resilience.
For those seeking to enhance their garden with scented border perennials, Agastache is a perfect choice. Pair it with other Agastache companion plants for a harmonious garden design. Order your fragrant Agastache (Anise Hyssop) now from Heijnen and discover how it attracts bees and admiring glances alike to your garden.