How to grow anise hyssop in a raised bed

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 should I plant anise hyssop?

Plant in spring or autumn. It's a hardy perennial that reshoots each year and self-seeds gently. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to April and August to October
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): September to November
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to May
• Arid inland: March to April and September to October

How do I grow anise hyssop 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 do I 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.

What pests attack anise hyssop?

Keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with anise hyssop?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I 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 garden 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: Mike Budd / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.