Purple Giant Hyssop

(Agastache scrophulariifolia)

Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia)

Michael J. Papay

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Michael J. Papay

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Agastache scrophulariifolia, commonly known as Purple Giant Hyssop, is a perennial herb native to meadows, prairies, and open woodlands throughout the North Central and Northeast USA and Southern Canada. It can reach up to six feet in height and is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae. This species is characterized by its tall stature and several spike-like inflorescences that bear flowers from mid to late summer. The flowers are tubular, typically lavender to pink, and are arranged in dense whorls along the spikes, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The dark brown fruit is a small nutlet, which is not particularly ornamental but does provide food for wildlife.

Purple Giant Hyssop is valued for its aromatic foliage and showy flowers, which add height and color to perennial borders and wildflower gardens. It is also used for naturalizing in meadows or prairie-style plantings. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers sandy loam soils with medium moisture and good drainage. While it is adaptable to various soil conditions, it does not tolerate wet feet, so well-draining soil is essential. Purple Giant Hyssop is generally low maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Deadheading may encourage a longer blooming period and prevent self-seeding if undesired. It is not known to have aggressive roots or other significant problems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 3-5 feet
Width: 2-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to meadows, prairies, and open woodlands

Other Names

Common Names: Purple Giant-Hyssop , Agastache À Feuilles De Scrofulaire

Scientific Names: Agastache scrophulariifolia , Lophanthus scrophulariifolius , Agastache scrophulariifolia var. mollis , Hyssopus scrophulariifolius , Lophanthus scrophulariifolius var. mollis , Agastache scrophulariifolia var. scrophulariifolia , Hyssopus catariifolius , Lophanthus scrophularicefolius var. mollis , Vleckia cordifolia , Vleckia scrophularifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Agastache scrophulariifolia (Willd.) Kuntze