June 16, 2025 Peter van Dijk

Licorice Plant Care

The Dropplant, also known as Agastache, is a beautiful garden plant that is increasingly chosen for colorful borders, fragrant corners, and as a ground cover. This versatile plant is known for its aromatic leaves with a light licorice flavor and attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. As a borderplant, the Hyssop is not only functional but also a feast for the eyes thanks to its upright flowers in shades of purple, pink, or blue. Below you can read everything about caring for, repotting, pruning, and propagating the Hyssop.

Watering the Hyssop

Watering is an important part of the care, but fortunately, the Hyssop is not demanding in this regard. This plant is naturally drought-tolerant and therefore does not require daily watering. Especially after the first growing season, the plant is capable of withstanding longer periods of drought.

Watering tips for the Hyssop:

After planting: Water regularly until the plant is well established, especially in the first 6-8 weeks.
Mature plants: Only water during prolonged drought or extreme heat.
Soil check: Check with your finger if the top layer of the soil feels dry before watering again.
Morning or evening: Preferably water in the morning or evening to to limit evaporation.
Avoid overwatering: The Hyssop does not like wet feet. Too much water can lead to root rot and mold formation.

A tip for those living in dry areas: mulch around the plant with tree bark or straw to retain moisture in the soil longer.

Hyssop Location

The right location is crucial for a healthy and profusely flowering Hyssop. The Agastache loves sun and airy soil. Due to its South American origin, this plant loves warmth and drought.

Ideal conditions:

Sunlight: Full sun is best. The more sun, the more flowers. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended.
Soil type: Well-draining, light to medium garden soil, preferably calcareous. Avoid acidic soils.
Moisture: Avoid wet soil. A raised plant bed or raised border can help with poor drainage.
Wind: The plant tolerates wind well, but in extremely windy locations, a sheltered spot is better to prevent stem breakage.

Place your Hyssop in a sunny and dry spot and you will be rewarded with abundant flowering and healthy growth.

Can the Hyssop be grown in a Pot?

Yes, the Hyssop does excellently in a plant pot or tub, provided you meet a few conditions. This also makes it suitable for small city gardens, balconies, and terraces.

What to look out for with Dropplant in a pot:

Pot size: Use a spacious pot of at least 30 cm in diameter and 25 cm deep. The roots need space.
Drainage: Ensure drainage holes and a layer of clay pellets or hydrokorrels at the bottom. Place the pot on pot feet so that excess water can drain away properly.
Soil: Fill with airy potting soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite for better drainage.
Location: Place the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot.
Watering: Water regularly, but allow the potting soil to dry out in between.
Overwintering: Bring the pot indoors during severe frost or protect it with bubble wrap and jute.

Combine in pots with lavender or ornamental grasses for a Mediterranean effect and an enhanced fragrance experience.

Moving Hyssop

Sometimes a plant does not grow well in its spot, or you simply want to redesign your garden. No problem: the Dropplant transplants well, provided you choose the right moment.

Transplanting advice Dropplant:

Best time: Spring (March/April) or autumn (October) – the plant is dormant then, which increases the chance of survival.
Excavating: Dig with a generous root ball to limit root damage. Use a sharp spade and dig at least 20 cm around the plant.
New location: Ensure the new location meets the requirements (sun, drainage, loose soil).
Watering: Water generously after transplanting to promote establishment.
Aftercare: Monitor closely for the first few weeks to see if the plant takes root. A little shade in the first few days can aid in recovery.

Replanting gives your garden new balance and helps make optimal use of sunlight and space.

Plain Drops

Planting a Drops Plant is simple, but with good preparation, you significantly increase the chances of success. By planting at the right time and with care, you give the Dropplant a head start.

How to plant a Dropplant:

Timing: In spring or autumn. Spring is preferred for better root development before winter.
Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 25 cm. Mix compost or sand into heavy soil.
Planting distance: Maintain 30-40 cm between each plant so they have room to grow.
Planting depth: Just as deep as the root ball, no deeper. Lightly press down the soil around the plant.
Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting and apply mulch if necessary to prevent drying out.

A good start at planting ensures that the plant roots quickly and grows visibly within a few weeks.

Hyssop Flowering time

The flowering time of the Hyssop is long and spectacular. The plant usually begins to bloom in June and continues well into September or sometimes even October, depending on the weather.

Flowering information Hyssop:

Period: June through September, with peak flowering in July and August.
Flower color: Usually purple, sometimes pink or blue. Some cultivars have salmon-colored or white flowers.
Care during flowering: Regularly removing spent flowers stimulates new flower spikes.
Light requirements: The more sun, the more abundant the flowering.
Insect attractor: Butterflies, bees, and bumblebees love the nectar of the Hyssop.

The long flowering period makes it ideal for borders and perennial combinations that provide color throughout the season.

Hyssop Toxic

Good news: the Hyssop is not toxic. The Hyssop is therefore a safe choice for gardens with children and pets.

Safety:

For humans: Not toxic by contact or ingestion. You can even use the leaves and flowers in the kitchen.
For pets: No danger to dogs or cats. Rabbits and chickens also often ignore the plant.
With young children: Always supervise. Excessive ingestion of plant material can lead to mild stomach upset, but is rare with Agastache.

Pruning Hyssop

To keep the Hyssop beautiful and healthy, pruning is important. Pruning ensures compact growth and richer flowering the following year.

Pruning tips:

Spring: Prune the plant back to 5-10 cm above the ground as soon as new growth is visible (March-April).
Summer: Remove spent flower spikes to prolong flowering.
Autumn: Optionally leave some seed heads for ornamental value and birds.

👉 Want to know more? Read our extensive blog: Pruning Licorice Plant

Licorice Plant Cuttings

The Licorice Plant is easy to propagate via cuttings or division. With this, you create new plants for free for your own use or to give as a gift.

Propagation methods for Dropwort:

Tip cuttings: In spring, cut off a shoot of approx. 10 cm, remove the lower leaves, and place in potting soil.
Dividing: In early spring or autumn, lift the plant out of the ground and divide the root ball by hand or with a knife.
Root cuttings: In winter, cut off 5 cm root sections, plant them horizontally in a pot, and place in a warm spot.

New plants grow quickly into full-sized specimens with good care.

Fertilizing Licorice Plant

The Licorice Plant does not need much nutrition, but a little help results in better flowering and stronger growth.

Fertilization advice for Licorice Plant:

Spring: Give a handful of organic fertilizer, such as cow manure pellets or compost.
During flowering: A liquid fertilizer once a month promotes continuous flowering.
Autumn: No more fertilization; allow the plant to ripen slowly towards winter.
Avoid too much fertilizer: Over-fertilization leads to limp stems and less fragrant leaves.