Licorice Candy hyssop is a plant that draws attention from every direction—gardeners, pollinators, and passersby alike. Tall, upright spikes of rosy-purple flowers rise above fresh green foliage from summer well into fall, and hummingbirds usually find it before anything else does.
The scent is unmistakable: sweet, clean, and strongly reminiscent of licorice. Bees and butterflies flock to the blooms, and people tend to stop, rub a leaf between their fingers, and smile.
This is also a plant meant to be used, not just admired. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, with a gentle licorice flavor. The blooms are lovely scattered into fruit bowls, salads, and desserts, while the leaves work well in soups, teas, or as a light tarragon-like accent. It’s one of those plants you find yourself tasting as you walk past.
Licorice Candy grows tall and full, bringing color, fragrance, wildlife, and food value together in one easy, hardworking perennial.
WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT
- Rosy-purple flower spikes from summer into fall
- Strong hummingbird and pollinator attraction
- Edible flowers and leaves
- Sweet licorice scent and flavor
- Tall, bold garden presence
- Easy care once established
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Very adaptable across climates
- Growth habit: Upright, branching
Good drainage is essential—this plant does not tolerate soggy soil.
SIZE & BLOOM
- Height × Width: ~3–4 ft. × 2–3 ft.
- Flower color: Rosy-purple
- Bloom time: Summer through fall
- Fragrance: Sweet, licorice-scented
- Wildlife: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
PLANTING TIPS
- Plant in full sun for best flowering and scent
- Choose soil that drains freely
- Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites
- Space plants to allow good airflow
CARE MADE EASY
- Leave stems standing over winter
- Cut back old growth to ~6 inches in mid-spring
- Add fine gravel around the base in winter to prevent rot
- Water only during extended dry periods
BEST USES
- Pollinator and hummingbird gardens
- Edible landscapes
- Herb gardens
- Mixed perennial borders
- Sensory gardens
HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Choose Licorice Candy hyssop if you:
- Love plants that attract hummingbirds
- Enjoy edible flowers and herbs
- Want long-lasting summer color
- Prefer bold, upright plants
- Garden in sunny, well-drained soil
