Yellow Giant-hyssop
Agastache nepetoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Agastache nepetoides (Yellow Giant-hyssop) is a native forb blooming July through September across much of eastern and central North America. This pollinator-friendly plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to gardens and prairies.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 18"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, GA and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Yellow giant-hyssop is a tall native perennial with spikes of small, pale yellow flowers that bloom from summer into fall. This upright plant forms clumps and can reach up to 6 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for back borders or naturalized areas.
Growing Yellow Giant-hyssop
Grow Yellow Giant-hyssop in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Giant-hyssop takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall height may appear unmanaged
- Can look weedy when dormant
- Flowers are not showy enough for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
This plant is a pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its long blooming period. The seeds also provide food for finches and other small birds in late fall.
Common questions
- When does Yellow Giant-hyssop bloom?
- Agastache nepetoides blooms from July through September, providing late-season nectar for pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Yellow Giant-hyssop?
- This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its tubular yellow flowers and abundant nectar.
- Where is Agastache nepetoides native?
- Yellow Giant-hyssop is native to 22 states across eastern and central North America, from Connecticut south to Georgia and west to Texas and Minnesota.
- What growing conditions does Yellow Giant-hyssop prefer?
- This adaptable forb tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and various moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
- Is Yellow Giant-hyssop HOA-friendly?
- Yellow Giant-hyssop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Yellow 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