Anise Hyssop ' Rosie Posie'

Agastache 'Rosie Posie'

Lamiaceae 

• USDA Zone: 5-9
• Sun Exposure: Full sun 
• Size: 3' tall x 3' wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: No
• Flower Color: Hot pink with magenta-purple (May - September)
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

Agastache 'Rosie Posie' forms a dense, compact, ball-shaped mound with a naturally tidy habit that stays neat throughout the growing season without staking or support. This cultivar thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, particularly excelling in lean, sandy, or rocky conditions. Once established, it demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and heat resistance, making it ideal for xeric gardens and water-wise landscapes. The plant performs best in USDA zones 5-9, though winter protection may be beneficial in zone 5. It will not tolerate heavy clay soil or waterlogged conditions, especially during winter months.

The flowers of Agastache 'Rosie Posie'; are striking two-toned blooms featuring hot pink tubular flowers emerging from deep magenta-purple calyxes. These showy flower spikes appear just at the top of the foliage, creating a proportional, uniform appearance. The colorful calyxes persist long after flowering, extending the ornamental interest well into fall. The aromatic foliage is bright green and releases a pleasant minty-anise fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding a sensory dimension to the garden. Individual flowers bloom in dense spikes approximately 6 inches long, creating a continuous display from midsummer through early fall, or earlier in southern zones.

This cultivar is a pollinator powerhouse, drawing constant visits from hummingbirds throughout the blooming season. Bees and butterflies are equally attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, making this an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitat. The flowers and aromatic foliage are edible, with a subtle anise or licorice-like flavor that can be used to flavor teas, salads, and desserts. Agastache is also deer and rabbit resistant, adding to its low-maintenance appeal.

Anise Hyssop works beautifully in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens. Its compact size makes it perfect for container plantings and smaller spaces. The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Pair with ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem, other drought-tolerant perennials such as Coreopsis and Echinacea, or silver-foliaged plants like Artemisia for striking contrasts. Mass plantings create spectacular drifts of color that remain attractive throughout summer and fall.