PL. —Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'Botanical illustration — drop image
Agastache foeniculum 'Golden Jubilee'

'Golden Jubilee' Agastache

SummerFall
4a9aHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

'Golden Jubilee' is a cultivar of anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), an aromatic perennial in the mint family native to the north-central United States and southern Canada. It is distinguished from the species by chartreuse to golden foliage that shows its strongest color in cool spring weather. Blue-purple flower spikes rise above the foliage from midsummer through first frost, reliably attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Anise hyssop is short-lived, typically persisting 2–3 years, but self-seeds freely. Lean to average, sharply drained soil is preferred; fertile soil produces soft, floppy stems. It is drought tolerant once established. Self-sown offspring of 'Golden Jubilee' frequently revert toward the green-leafed species form, so vegetative propagation is recommended to preserve the gold foliage. Slightly alkaline to neutral pH suits it well.

Leaves and flowers carry a pronounced anise-licorice flavor and are used fresh in salads, steeped for herbal tea, or added to beverages as a garnish. Great Plains tribes historically used the dried herb for coughs and feverish colds. Laboratory studies show mild antimicrobial activity in essential oil extracts.

Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade
WaterLow
SoilWell-drained, dry to average
Spacing18–24 in
Height18–30 in
Zone4a – 9a
Native RegionCO, IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NY, ND, OH, OK, SD, WI, WY
Direct sowFrost hardy
Seasonal tasks
spring
cutPinch stem tips when plants reach 6 inches tall to encourage a bushier habit and more flower spikes.
sowStart seeds indoors under lights, pressing them onto the surface of moist seed-starting mix without covering — seeds need light to germinate.
sowTransplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden after the last frost date, or direct-sow on the soil surface at this time.
summer
cutHarvest leaves and open flower spikes for fresh culinary use or drying as needed throughout summer.
watchCheck foliage for powdery mildew during humid stretches. Thin crowded stems and avoid overhead watering to reduce risk.
fall
cutCut plants to 2–3 inches after a hard frost. Leave a few spent spikes standing if self-seeding for replacements is desired.