Liz,
  We have a plant which sounds just like what you describe, named
Agastache, it has the odor of anise or licorice.
  The bumblebees sleeping in the flowers really is quite
fun to see!
Eileen Gregory
 
> We have a perennial mint in our garden called (according to the
> landscaper) *Elsholtzia sauntonii*  (??).  It vaguely resembles Monarda,
> grows about 4' high, blooms late in the summer with dull purple flower
> spikes that look a bit like caterpillars.  Bumblebees are CRAZY for
> this plant.  Every night last season it was covered with sleeping bees.
> A real draw.
> Is anyone out there familiar with this plant?  It is not in our big fat
> all-inclusive perennial book, and the landscapers do not answer their
> phone.
> It seems harmless ( I mean horticulturally) but from long experience I
> know not to assume so.
> Liz Day
> [log in to unmask]   (that's Lday, not ONEday)
> Indianapolis, IN, USA