{"product_id":"agastache-liquorice-blue","title":"Agastache Liquorice Blue","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgastache 'Liquorice Blue'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGiant Hyssop 'Liquorice Blue'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTall, aromatic, violet-blue bottle-brush spikes of extraordinary wildlife value, rising above foliage that releases a powerful aniseed and liquorice scent at the slightest touch — 'Liquorice Blue' flowers in its first year from seed and continues from July through to the first October frosts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf we had to pick one plant that earns its place in every cottage garden border for sheer volume of bee visits, it would be this one. Agastache is the kind of plant that hums audibly on a warm August afternoon — the long, dense flower spikes producing nectar so freely that they're considered one of the very best garden plants for supporting late-summer pollinators. The aromatic foliage smells unmistakably of aniseed when brushed and is famously deer- and rabbit-resistant. Grows quickly to 70–90cm in its first year, flowers reliably the same season, and behaves as a short-lived perennial in milder UK gardens. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eSow indoors from February to April at 18–20°C. Surface-sow or barely cover with fine vermiculite — agastache benefits from light during germination. Germination takes two to three weeks. Plant out after the last frost in full sun and well-drained soil. This is a plant that genuinely thrives in poor, dry conditions and resents wet feet, particularly in winter — good drainage is more important than fertility. In wetter inland gardens, treat as an annual or short-lived perennial; in well-drained sunny borders, expect three to four years from each plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn wildlife gardens, prairie-style borders, and any cottage scheme that wants reliable late-summer colour. The flower spikes are exceptional for cutting — they last well in the vase and carry their scent indoors — and they dry beautifully for autumn arrangements. The aniseed-scented foliage is also useful for herbal teas and as an ornamental edible. Few plants deliver as much wildlife value per square metre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCombine with \u003cem\u003eEchinacea purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRudbeckia\u003c\/em\u003e, and ornamental grasses for a classic prairie-style border. For a more cottage-garden feel, pair with \u003cem\u003eAchillea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Pastel Mixed' and Cornflower. The blue spikes also contrast beautifully with the gold of \u003cem\u003eAchillea\u003c\/em\u003e 'Cloth of Gold'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57888035963254,"sku":"AGA-LQR","price":2.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0716\/3566\/5206\/files\/Untitleddesign_6f37c4e0-ad9c-49ba-a23c-c0b94a3d094a.jpg?v=1779020120","url":"https:\/\/www.summerwoodenplanters.com\/products\/agastache-liquorice-blue","provider":"Summer Wooden Planters","version":"1.0","type":"link"}