Agastache Species, Purple Giant Hyssop, Lavender Hyssop, Anise Hyssop

A wonderful native (to the eastern US) plant for the back of the border (mine are 6 feet or more) or damp meadow. The sturdy stems (no s...Read Moretaking required) bear upright stalks of pink (mine are not purple but they vary) flowers that attract many pollinators, including butterflies. The seed heads in winter attract gold finches, purple finches and other birds. They do self-sow, but not aggressively; and the clump does slowly increase, but not like other plants in the mint family. Easy from seed (requires 8 weeks in cold stratification), division, or cuttings. Supposed to prefer damp soil but I never water mine; also prefers sandy soil but mine is clay with a little compost. No significant pests and deer resistant. Highly recommended.

This native plant is currently listed as endangered in Connecticut.