The Gorgeous Perennial Hummingbirds Absolutely Love

It doesn't matter which of the types of beautiful hummingbirds you might find in your backyard, they are always a welcome addition. It's no wonder they are a regular favorite of many bird watchers. If you want your tiny bird friends to thrive, there are things you can do in your yard and garden that help hummingbirds survive fall migration, a time of year that can be challenging for hummingbirds if resources are slim. If you want to keep hummingbirds flocking to your feeder during the fall, plant some pollinator-attracting flowers that bloom well into the season such as the lovely anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). Hardy in USDA Hardiness zones 3 to 8, this perennial features bluish-lavender to purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall providing a number of pollinators including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with a good food source. 

The leaves of this pretty flower have a very light scent that is similar to anise or licorice, but some describe it as being closer to French tarragon or basil. Anise hyssop is a good choice for planting as borders along the back or in the middle of beds, in butterfly gardens, and herb gardens. Companion plants that go well with anise hyssop include brown-eyed Susans, goldenrod, Japanese anemone, or other herbs including thyme, garlic, oregano, and chives. This flowering plant is very versatile and can be planted in masses, small clumps, and even in containers by itself or with other plants.

Look for places in your garden or yard that offer full sun. Anise hyssop can grow in partial shade but tends to get lanky when it doesn't get enough sun. The plant can thrive in a range of soil types as long as it drains well. You don't want to use heavy soil that holds onto too much water, which can cause root rot and difficulty in the plants' roots getting established. Give new plants a deep watering once a week so the water reaches the roots for the first four weeks. Once your plants are established themselves you can stop watering. These drought-tolerant plants will receive enough water through rainfall. 

Anise hyssop only needs to be fertilized every other year in early spring, using organic compost. Spread the fertilizer around the base of the plants and leave a few inches of space between the main stem and where you have added the compost. Some gardeners use all-purpose fertilizer instead of compost. 

Your anise hyssop doesn't need much in the way of pruning attention once it is established. If you do some pruning to help the plants keep their shape prune in early spring with sharp, clean pruning shears. You can cut back as much as a third of the plant which will create a more bushy look.  Any plant material that is dead can be removed just above the buds.