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The Agastache foeniculum or blue giant hyssop, a member of the mint family that is "deer proof," is a 2 to 4-foot perennial. This hyssop variety has bright blue flowers clustered like "grain" (the word Agastache is formed from the Greek words agan meaning much and stachys meaning ear of grain) at the ends of its terminal spikes. Giant blue hyssop has been called the most ornamental of native mints (www.wildflower.org).
Loved by pollinators, it supports native bees, honey bees and bumble bees. With more sun, it will produce more flowers but it can tolerate some shade. It prefers slightly moist soil, but also tolerates dry roadside conditions in the wild.
UConn Master Gardeners will help you select the right plant for the right location in your garden this Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Arboretum, 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford. For questions, call (203)-322-6971.
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