Is Anise Hyssop good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Anise Hyssop is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Anise Hyssop?

Space Anise Hyssop about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Anise Hyssop hardy on the Front Range?

Anise Hyssop is hardy in USDA 4 to 10. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Anise Hyssop need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Anise Hyssop native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Anise Hyssop bloom?

Anise Hyssop blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Anise Hyssop

Agastache foeniculum

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Licorice-scented foliage; lavender spikes draw hummingbirds + bees all summer.

On the CSU listlow to medium water24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: "Agastache foeniculum" by .Annna is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
Photo 2: no rights reserved
Photo 3: (c) Liren Varghese, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Guettarda, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Meneerke bloem
Photo 6: "Agastache foeniculum 3, Anise Hyssop, GFG, Howard County, Md_2019-03-22-19.47.27 ZS PMax UDR" by Sam Droege is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/.

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 10
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: mid summer, late summer
Bloom color: purple
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.

Frequently asked questions

Is Anise Hyssop good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Anise Hyssop is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Anise Hyssop get?: It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Anise Hyssop?: Space Anise Hyssop about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Anise Hyssop hardy on the Front Range?: Anise Hyssop is hardy in USDA 4 to 10. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Anise Hyssop need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Anise Hyssop native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Anise Hyssop bloom?: Anise Hyssop blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.