About

Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop, is a compact, semi-evergreen subshrub to 60 cm with erect, branching stems bearing linear, aromatic, dark-green leaves. Dense, tapering spikes of whorled, two-lipped, blue-purple tubular flowers appear from midsummer to early autumn, attracting bees and butterflies in great numbers. A classic Mediterranean herb equally valuable as a kitchen, ornamental and wildlife border plant.

About the genus

Hyssopus, the hyssops, are aromatic, semi-evergreen perennials and subshrubs with linear leaves and whorled, two-lipped flowers in blue, pink or white arranged in spike-like inflorescences. Important bee and butterfly plants, they are valuable in both kitchen and ornamental gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesRock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope, Mediterranean, Iran
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun
PruningPruning group 10 in mid-spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free
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