Plant profile

Hyssops

Genus Agastache

Hyssops (Agastache) are fragrant, long-blooming wildflowers that are easy to grow and popular with many pollinators. They’re a great choice for sunny gardens, schoolyards, and even large containers.

Plant Type

Wildflowers (herbaceous perennials) > Hyssops

Aliases

Giant hyssop

Native Range

Varies by species within the genus; many Agastache are native to parts of North America.

Bloom window

Long-blooming, often from summer into fall

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Hyssops (Agastache spp.) are a simple way to add color, scent, and pollinator-friendly blooms to a garden without a lot of fuss. They’re especially useful in sunny spaces where you want a plant that keeps flowering for a long stretch.

If you’re planting in a schoolyard or community space, hyssops are a good “middle-of-the-bed” plant: tall enough to be noticed, neat enough to look intentional, and busy with pollinator visits when in bloom. For small spaces, a large pot with drainage holes can work well—just don’t keep it constantly wet.

To get the best results, focus on two basics: sun and drainage. Most problems come from soil that stays soggy or from too much shade. Once established, hyssops are often happier with a little less water than you might expect.

If you’d like to build a longer season of blooms, pair hyssops with earlier flowers for spring and later flowers for fall. That way, your garden offers something to visit across more of the growing season.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny pollinator gardens, schoolyard plantings, borders, and large pots where fragrance and steady bloom are welcome.

Hyssops (Agastache spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/150077174 Photo: (c) Sami Dolan, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Giant hyssop
Bloom window	Long-blooming, often from summer into fall
Typical height	Varies by species and cultivar; often medium to tall
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; average to dry-ish soil once established
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny pollinator gardens, schoolyard plantings, borders, and large pots where fragrance and steady bloom are welcome.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Hyssops provide lots of small flowers over a long period, helping keep pollinator activity going through the growing season.

What they need

Give them sun, decent drainage, and a spot where they won’t sit in wet soil.

One best action

Plant hyssops in a sunny, well-drained spot and let them bloom as long as possible before cutting back.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Hyssops are a practical way to add long-lasting blooms and fragrance while supporting a range of pollinators in gardens of many sizes.

When you brush the leaves, many hyssops release a sweet, minty-anise scent.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Many small flowers per spike means repeated visits from pollinators.
Fragrant foliage can make gardens more enjoyable for people, too.
Upright shape fits neatly into mixed plantings and small spaces.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Use these quick clues to recognize hyssops in the garden.

Leaves

Aromatic leaves, often narrow to oval, on upright stems; scent is noticeable when rubbed.

Flowers

Dense spikes of small tubular flowers that open over time along the stem.

Fruits

After flowering, small dry seed structures form; leaving some can allow self-seeding in suitable spots.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Sunny open areas
Well-drained garden beds
Meadow-style plantings

Where it is often used

Pollinator garden centerpiece
Sunny border or mixed perennial bed
Schoolyard habitat patch
Large container planting (with good drainage)
Fragrant planting near paths or seating

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Hyssops are valued for their long flowering window.

Bloom Season Role: A steady mid-to-late season nectar stop

Seasonal benefits

Keeps nectar and pollen available later in the season
Adds consistent color when other plants take a break

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Best in full sun; part sun can work, but flowering may be lighter.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is key. If your soil stays wet, improve drainage or use a raised bed or container.

Moisture needs

Water to establish, then let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Avoid keeping it constantly wet.

Planting method

Plant in spring or early fall. Give each plant room for airflow so stems stay sturdy and leaves dry quickly after rain.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch layer if needed, but keep mulch pulled back from the crown to reduce rot risk.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a sunny spot with good drainage (or use a raised bed/container).
Loosen the soil and mix in a little compost if the soil is very poor, keeping it light rather than heavy.
Plant at the same depth as the pot and firm soil gently around the roots.
Water well after planting, then water only when the top of the soil has dried a bit.
Add a plant label so you remember what you planted and can track bloom timing.

Seasonal care

Deadhead (snip off spent flower spikes) to encourage more blooms, or leave some to form seed.
Stake only if needed; most plants stand well in sun with good airflow.
Cut back stems after flowering is finished, or wait until later to keep structure in the garden.
Divide clumps occasionally if they become crowded (timing depends on your local growing season).