Japanese name: アニスヒソップ Scientific name:Agastache foeniculum
[Overview]
A perennial 0.6–1.2 m tall.
The stem is erect and square in cross section.
Leaves are simple and opposite, ovate to elliptic with a pointed tip and toothed margins.
The undersides of the leaves are tinged with white.
The leaves smell of anise.
The flower spikes at the stem tips bear many flowers.
The flowers are blue-purple and lipped; the upper lip of the corolla is erect, and the lower lip is 3-lobed with a broad, large central lobe.
There are 4 stamens, which project far out of the flower together with the pistil.
The calyx is tubular and 5-lobed.
The fruit is a schizocarp.
[Uses]
The flowers and leaves are used medicinally, and also for herbal tea, potpourri, salads and more.
It is also known as a nectar source plant.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by division, or by stem cuttings.
It also spreads readily from self-sown seed.
It prefers slightly moist, well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
If cut back after flowering, side shoots grow and a second flush of flowers can be enjoyed.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
