Plant of the Weekend: ANISE HYSSOP
Plants that encourage biodiversity are integral to the Lurie Garden’s plant palette. A variety of winged creatures can be found clinging to the colorful, bottlebrush-like blooms of Agastache x ‘Blue Fortune.’ The lavender-blue, tubular-shaped flowers cover the long inflorescence in a whorled pattern. Be on the lookout for hummingbirds which are now migrating from Canada! They are attracted to the tiny trumpet shape of the Agastache flowers. Honeybees, butterflies, and other beneficial garden insects also collect its nectar. Anise hyssop, also called giant hyssop, is a common name for this plant due to its pleasing anise scent. The downy leaves taste like licorice and are a refreshing addition to ice tea.
This plant grows to 3 ft (1.5 ft wide) and is perfect for a sunny to partially sunny, dry location in zones 3-9. No fertilizer is required for anise hyssop, and it has no known disease issues. Agastache x ‘Blue Fortune’ is a cross, developed by Gert Fortgens of Holland, between Agastache foeniculum and Agastache rugosa. A. foeniculum is native to the tallgrass prairie of northwestern United States. A. x ‘Blue Fortune’ is sterile, so it won’t take over your yard like the straight, native species. Agastache rugosa, native to Korea and China is included in the 50 fundamental herbs of Chinese medicine. It has antibacterial and antifungal qualities and is used for a variety of ailments including bloating, indigestion, nausea, and chest congestion. This cross is a wonderful combination of the best qualities of each species. The Royal Horticultural Society granted this plant an Award of Garden Merit. Enjoy the lush blue spikes through September, when they will fade to a lighter shade and provide winter interest to the garden.
Agastache x 'Blue Fortune'
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