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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Hyssopus officinalis
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

hyssop

A compact, spreading, semi-evergreen sub-shrub with erect shoots bearing aromatic, linear leaves and terminal spikes of whorled, 2-lipped, tubular blue flowers in summer and early autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hyssopus can be herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs, with linear, aromatic leaves and whorls of tubular, 2-lipped flowers in spike-like inforescences

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe, Mediterranean, Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Ground cover
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 10 in mid-spring

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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