Agastache scrophulariifolia (Giant Purple Hyssop)

Size: 2-5’ tall / 2’ wide

Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil: Moist, Rich

Bloom Time: Late Summer - Fall

Deer Resistance: 4.5/5

Ecotype: Virginia

Giant Purple Hyssop is a workhorse in the pollinator garden. It prefers moister soils and can get, as the name implies, quite tall when happy. It will perform well in more average garden soils, but it may need supplemental water during times of drought. The flowers are not as showy as some of its relatives (at least to us humans!), but it has a tall, slender form that provides nice structure in a garden. The seedheads are also attractive and persist into the winter.

Due to its high-nectar flowers and long bloom time, this plant attracts a good number of bees, butterflies, and the occasional hummingbird. Several species use it as a host plant, including the Summer Azure butterfly and Radcliffe's Dagger moth. The seeds are enjoyed by goldfinches and other songbirds. As a member of the mint family, it has aromatic leaves that make it less desirable to deer, rabbits, and other herbivores.