Anise Hyssop - Agastache Black Adder - Compact - ORG

Agastache ‘Black Adder’, better known as the licorice plant, is one of those perennials where there’s always something happening in the summer. Above the fresh green foliage, long spikes full of tiny purple-blue flowers appear. The nearly black flower buds add extra depth to the plant and make the color even more intense.

And then, of course, there’s the scent. Gently rub the leaves and you’ll immediately smell why this plant is called “licorice plant” in the Netherlands: the leaves have a distinctively aromatic scent reminiscent of anise and licorice.

A Summer Full of Bees and Butterflies

“Black Adder” is particularly attractive to bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. The many small flowers are clustered closely together in long spikes and continue to bloom over a long period. The RHS has therefore included this cultivar as a Plant for Pollinators. This makes the licorice plant a lovely addition to a flower-filled border where something different blooms throughout the season. Pair it, for example, with Echinacea, Salvia, Verbena, ornamental grasses, or fall anemones. The upright purple flower spikes add a nice bit of structure among more loosely arranged plants.

Give Black Adder plenty of sun and well-drained soil

Agastache ‘Black Adder’ prefers a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Once well-established, the plant can handle somewhat drier conditions quite well. Especially in winter, soil that drains easily is important; the plant does not tolerate prolonged wetness very well.

The plant grows upright and gradually forms a clump about 80 to 100 centimeters tall. This makes it a great fit in the center or back of a sunny border. If desired, cut back spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms. You can also leave them up a bit longer: the dark spikes retain their shape nicely and add structure to the border later in the season.

The plant is delivered as a well-rooted young plant in a compact pot. Plant it in a sunny spot and give it room to continue developing in the border.

A vigorous summer bloomer for those who love purple, fragrance, and a garden teeming with buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies.