My nose discovered this plant in front of St. Louis University's College Church. Although its whitish spikes (not especially showy) were...Read More still blooming in late October, it is the LEAVES that produce the intoxicating cinnamon scent. I pinched off a few stems (the foliage was full and vigorous, so I don't feel too guilty), took them home and put them in a glass of water. After a few weeks they were growing roots.
"Agastache micrantha" is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, so it is necessary to bring them indoors over winter. (Why is it listed as a Zone 5a plant? That can't possibly be correct.) There are many Agastache species. Our Missouri native, "Agastache nepetoides" (Yellow Giant Hyssop), has no noticeable scent at all. But the "micrantha" leaves really pump out the fragrance. I feel so lucky to have found it.
By the way, if the species I have is indeed "micrantha", the common name "Anise Hyssop" is a misnomer. It strongly smells like cinnamon, not anise. I have a true "Anise Hyssop" (Agastache foeniculum), so I can make the comparison. There is no comparison. Also, the name "Hyssop" seems strange too. I have several true "Hyssop" (Hyssopus officinalis) plants that I use to make a medicinal tea when I have a cold. I simply don't understand why any Agastache plant has "Hyssop" in its common name.
My nose discovered this plant in front of St. Louis University's College Church. Although its whitish spikes (not especially showy) were...Read More