I’ll be honest, I didn’t always know about anise hyssop. But once I discovered this stunning, aromatic herb, I wondered how I’d gone so long without it in my garden! It’s one of those plants that quietly wins you over with its beauty, versatility, and ease of care. Anise hyssop isn’t just a showstopper with its bright purple blooms—it also smells amazing and brings so many benefits to the garden. Now, it’s a staple in my outdoor space, and every year I get more excited about planting it.
Let me tell you why you should grow anise hyssop and, of course, a few care tips I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, once you start growing it, you’ll fall in love with it just like I did!
1. Bees Love It!
If there’s one thing my garden thrives on, it’s pollinators, and anise hyssop is like a magnet for bees. I didn’t realise just how much until I planted my first patch and saw how quickly it became a favourite for all kinds of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds can’t seem to resist the tall, lavender-coloured flower spikes.
I’ll often sit in the garden with a cup of tea, watching the bees buzzing from flower to flower. It feels so good knowing I’m helping the local pollinator population while enjoying the beautiful blooms myself. So, if you’re looking to attract beneficial insects to your garden, anise hyssop is a must.
2. A Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Plant
One of my favourite things about anise hyssop is how little effort it takes to grow. I’m all about low-maintenance gardening (who has time to fuss over delicate plants all the time?), and anise hyssop fits right in. It’s a hardy perennial, which means once it’s established, it comes back year after year with very little help from me.
I’ve found that it does best in full sun, though it can tolerate a bit of shade, and it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant once it’s settled in. A bit of water during dry spells is all it really needs to keep looking its best. Plus, it doesn’t get too fussy about soil—just make sure it’s well-drained, and anise hyssop will thrive.
3. It Smells Divine
The moment I brush past anise hyssop, I’m hit with this wonderful, sweet, liquorice-like scent that instantly lifts my mood. There’s something so calming and fresh about it. I’ve even started cutting a few stems and bringing them inside to enjoy the fragrance indoors.
It’s not just the flowers that smell good, either—the leaves are just as fragrant. I often rub a leaf between my fingers when I’m out in the garden, and the scent lingers, making me feel relaxed and connected to nature. It’s like aromatherapy without the cost!
4. Great for Culinary Use
I never realised anise hyssop was edible until a gardening friend mentioned it, and now I love experimenting with it in the kitchen. The leaves and flowers both have a mild, anise-like flavour, and I’ve found it pairs beautifully in teas, salads, and even desserts.
One of my favourite things to do is make a simple herbal tea with the fresh leaves—it’s so refreshing and calming, especially in the evening. I’ve also dried the leaves and flowers to keep on hand for tea year-round. If you’re into homemade herbal blends, anise hyssop is a perfect addition!
5. A Natural Medicinal Herb
Anise hyssop isn’t just a pretty plant or a culinary herb—it’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. I’m no expert, but I love reading about natural remedies, and I’ve learned that it’s been traditionally used to soothe colds, coughs, and even digestive issues.
I’ve personally started making my own simple infusions and teas with anise hyssop, especially during the winter months when I’m feeling a bit under the weather. The warming, comforting properties of the herb seem to help with congestion and make me feel more at ease. It’s like a little herbal hug in a cup!
6. Stunning Addition to Flower Arrangements
If you love creating your own bouquets (like I do), anise hyssop is a gorgeous addition to any flower arrangement. Those tall, spiky purple flowers add height and colour, and they look fantastic paired with roses, daisies, or other garden favourites.
I’ve found they last quite a while once cut, and the subtle fragrance adds a lovely touch to any bouquet. I always like to bring a bit of my garden indoors, and anise hyssop gives my arrangements that extra ‘wow’ factor without much effort.
7. It’s Deer-Resistant!
I live in an area where deer can be a real problem in the garden. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve planted something beautiful, only to wake up and find it completely munched down by deer overnight. But not with anise hyssop!
Apparently, deer aren’t fans of the strong scent or flavour, so they tend to leave it alone. This has been such a relief because it means I can enjoy my flowers without having to worry about them being eaten up. It’s one less thing to stress about, and that’s always a win in my book.
Complete Care Tips for Anise Hyssop
Now that you know why anise hyssop is such a fantastic plant, here’s a quick rundown of how to care for it. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
– Sunlight: Plant anise hyssop in a spot where it gets full sun for most of the day. It can tolerate a bit of shade, but it really thrives in bright light.
– Soil: Well-drained soil is key! It doesn’t need to be particularly rich—just make sure the water drains easily, and the roots won’t sit in soggy soil.
– Watering: While it’s drought-tolerant, give it a good drink during dry spells, especially in its first year while it’s establishing. Once it’s rooted, it needs very little watering.
– Pruning: I’ve found that deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages more flowers to form, so snip off those faded flowers to keep the plant looking its best.
– Spacing: Give it room to spread out! Anise hyssop can grow quite tall (up to 1.2m), so plant them at least 30-40cm apart.
– Winter Care: Anise hyssop is pretty hardy, so it doesn’t need much fussing over in winter. In colder climates, I leave the dried stems in place until spring to help protect the crown from frost.
Final Thoughts: Why Anise Hyssop Is a Must-Have
Growing anise hyssop has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my garden. It’s low-maintenance, stunning to look at, and attracts all the right pollinators while keeping the pests at bay. Plus, the added benefits of its fragrance, culinary uses, and even medicinal properties make it a plant I’ll always make room for.
So, if you’re looking for a hardy, beautiful, and useful plant to add to your garden, give anise hyssop a try—you won’t regret it!