Anise Hyssop Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Names

• Family

  Lamiaceae

• Synonyms

  Anise Hyssop, Blue Fortune Giant Hyssop, Fragrant Giant Hyssop

• Common names

  Agastache 'Blue Fortune'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Agastache 'Blue Fortune', commonly known as anise hyssop, is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, it's considered safe when used in the appropriate culinary or medicinal quantities. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning, as it is not considered a poisonous plant.

• To pets

  Anise hyssop is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a poisonous plant for cats or dogs by the ASPCA or other leading pet health organizations. Therefore, there should be no symptoms of poisoning in pets due to ingesting parts of the anise hyssop plant under normal circumstances. However, any plant material, if ingested in large quantities, could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Spread

  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  North America

General Benefits

• Attracts pollinators: Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
• Drought resistant: Once established, it is quite tolerant to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
• Aromatic foliage: The leaves have a pleasant scent which can add an aromatic dimension to gardens and outdoor spaces.
• Long blooming season: It produces flowers for an extended period, typically from midsummer to early fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
• Deer resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure.
• Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with no significant pest or disease issues, making it an easy plant for gardeners of all levels.
• Ornamental qualities: Offers aesthetic value with its long, dense flower spikes of lavender-blue flowers and anise-scented foliage.
• Culinary uses: Some Agastache species have edible flowers and leaves that can be used in teas, salads, and as garnishes.

Medical Properties

• Agastache 'Blue Fortune' is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Agastache 'Blue Fortune' can be used in potpourri as its leaves retain a pleasant aroma even when dried.
• Insect repellent sachets often incorporate the leaves of Hyssop due to their strong scent that can deter pests from clothing or linens.
• Dried Hyssop flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
• Artisanal cheese makers sometimes infuse cheeses with Hyssop flowers to impart a unique floral note to the product.
• The plant can be incorporated into a green roof design for both aesthetic value and to attract pollinators to urban environments.
• Hyssop can be used as a companion plant in the garden to attract beneficial insects and improve the growth of vegetables and fruits.
• Flower arrangers may use the tall, spiky inflorescences of Hyssop in fresh or dried floral arrangements for its texture and pop of color.
• In landscape design, Hyssop can function as a natural border or hedge, providing structure and height to garden beds.
• The aromatic foliage of Hyssop can be used to stuff small pillows or scented toys, offering a mild, calming fragrance.
• Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use the anise-flavored flowers of Hyssop to infuse syrups or spirits, adding a herbaceous twist to cocktails or desserts.

Feng Shui

The Agastache, commonly known as Hyssop, can be used in Feng Shui for its purifying qualities that improve the flow of Qi, particularly by adding the wood element with its upright growth and enhancing the blue-green color scheme in a garden to evoke a sense of tranquility and support spiritual healing.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hyssop is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Agastache, commonly known as Anise Hyssop or Hummingbird Mint, is often associated with healing properties due to its use in traditional medicine.
• Protection: The robust scent of Anise Hyssop is believed to ward off negative energy and protect individuals from harm.
• Purification: With its refreshing aroma, Anise Hyssop is sometimes used in cleansing rituals and to purify spaces.
• Love: The attractive and bright flowers are symbolic of love and can represent an individual's quest for a romantic connection.
• Harmony: Anise Hyssop's presence in a garden is thought to encourage balance and harmony within the natural ecosystem, as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Intuition: Because of its aromatic qualities, the plant is linked with enhancing intuition and mental clarity.