Purple Giant-hyssop
Agastache scrophulariifolia
Last reviewed: July 2026
Purple Giant-hyssop is a native forb blooming July through September across the eastern and midwestern United States. This pollinator magnet attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to gardens and natural areas.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CT, IA, IL, IN and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Purple giant-hyssop is a tall native perennial that produces spikes of purple flowers from summer through fall. This upright plant attracts numerous pollinators and works well in perennial borders or naturalized areas.
Growing Purple Giant-hyssop
Grow Purple Giant-hyssop in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Purple Giant-hyssop is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Height may appear too wild for formal front yards
- Can look sparse in winter when dormant
Wildlife value
This plant is excellent for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich purple flower spikes that bloom for three months.
Common questions
- When does Purple Giant-hyssop bloom?
- Purple Giant-hyssop blooms from July through September, providing late summer nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Agastache scrophulariifolia?
- This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular purple flowers and abundant nectar.
- Where is Purple Giant-hyssop native?
- Purple Giant-hyssop is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, from Vermont south to North Carolina and west to Kansas and Minnesota.
- What growing conditions does Purple Giant-hyssop prefer?
- This adaptable forb thrives in full sun to partial sun with medium moisture but tolerates a range of water conditions from wet to dry soils.
- Is Purple Giant-hyssop HOA-friendly?
- Purple Giant-hyssop is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Purple Giant-hyssop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz