Anise hyssop is a beautiful, aniseed-scented perennial with tall purple flower spikes that are absolutely alive with bees. The leaves and flowers make a lovely tea, and it's a star performer for drawing pollinators into a raised bed.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
- Time to harvest: from year 1, seasonally
When to plant: Plant in spring or autumn. It's a hardy perennial that reshoots each year and self-seeds gently. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into free-draining mix in full sun. It forms a tidy clump of upright stems topped with long-lasting flower spikes. Cut it back after flowering to keep it neat.
How to use it: The anise-scented leaves and flowers make a fragrant tea and a pretty edible garnish. Above all, few plants pull in more bees, butterflies and beneficial insects.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.
Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.
Where to plant it: One of the very best plants for a pollinator patch; plant it where the bees can find it. See our companion planting guide.
More growing guides: bee balm, society garlic and electric daisy.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Jasper Shide, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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