Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop is a semi-evergreen perennial or sub-shrub in the Lamiaceae (mint) family native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, however, it has naturalized in some areas of the USA.  

This cold hardy plant grows to a diminutive size of 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot to 18 inches wide.  It performs best when grown in a location that provides some shade from the hot afternoon sun.  It also prefers well-drained, fertile loam soil but will do well in a variety of other soils, including dry sandy conditions.  Trimming in the spring is best and will aid in the overall health of the plant.  Plants naturalize easily in the landscape and can be propagated via seed, stem cutting or division in the spring.  Untrimmed plants will degenerate over time.  Well-established plants are drought tolerant as well as resistant to browsing by deer.

Purple to blue fragrant flowers appear all summer and are attractive to butterflies. Hyssop is a self-fertile plant that has both male and female organs and is pollinated by bees.

It can be grown as a low hedge or planted along a slope to help with erosion management.  Hyssop works well in containers, mass planted along an edge, or used in small groups in a cottage garden.  Plant in an herb garden, along the front of a border or tucked between boulders in a rock garden.  

The flowers, leaves and oils from this plant are used as culinary flavoring.  The foliage is used as a flavoring in stews, soups and sauces.  Oils are used in Chartreuse liquor production.  

Existing plants can be propagated by division, which should be done in the spring or fall.  This semi-evergreen should not be pruned in the fall, wait until spring.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems, however, nematodes can be an issue. 

A short-lived plant, it may need to be replanted every few years.