• Hardy perennial
• Loved by butterflies
• Culinary herb
• Aromatic

Anise hyssop is part of the mint family and was planted by American bee keepers in the 1870s to produce a fragrant honey. It is the sweet leaves that make this a great culinary herb for the garden and the edible flowers that attract bees and butterflies make this a great herb to grow near vegetable beds where pollinators are needed.

Plant Care

• Height: 60 100cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun
• Soil: Well drained/alkaline
• Flower colour: Purple
• Flowering period: July – September

This beautiful perenial prefers to grow in full sun with its feet in a well drained soil. It dies down each autumn and when the leaves sprout again in spring, needs to be checked for slugs whom find the sweet leaves as delicious as we do. It grows very well in containers and would benefit from regualr feeding.

Usage

Native to the prairies of America this is a traditional medicine of the Native Americans. It was burnt by tribes as an antidepressant and used as an expectorant cough remedy and to cool fevers. Both the dried and fresh leaves make a pleasant anise tasting tea and along with the flowers can be used in salads, drinks, sweet dishes and pasta.