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Sep 28, 2024

The O.G. Hyssop, Hyssopus Officinalis

Growing a pollinator garden this year? Want a multi-purpose, easy-to-grow plant that looks a lot more delicate than it is? You might want to try hyssop. Hyssopus officinalis is a shrubby, woody perennial and a member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family. Like its close cousin lavender, it has an upright growth habit with bluish-purple trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other nectar-loving pollinators. You can shape hyssop into tidy little hedges, or let them grow au naturale in your informal herb garden; when left to their own devices, they can reach two feet tall, with a 12" to 18" spread. 


Hyssop spends its first season establishing its deep root system, but you'll still get plenty of flowers if you provide them with the right conditions. While they die back in hard frosts, in climates with warmer temperatures they retain their shiny, oblong, bright-green leaves throughout the winter. Established hyssop plants will produce spectacular, fragrant blooms from early spring through late summer. 


Unlike lavender, hyssop is more tolerant of cold weather and has a wider growing range. If you have had trouble getting your lavender to thrive, try your hand at Hyssopus officinalis. 

Hyssop's origins and history

Where most mint-type herbs originated in the humid western Mediterranean regions, hyssop is native to the dryer northern Mediterranean coast, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, including Turkey, Iran, Armenia, and Israel. In fact, (and it may sound like a stretch), its name is borrowed from the ancient Semitic name for a similar plant, ezob. 

 

John Gerard, an English physician known for writing Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes, introduced Hyssopus officinalis to England in 1597 where it became a staple herb in knot gardens—intricate landscapes designed as much to keep different plant types separate as they are to create a stunning aesthetic effect. Since then, it's become a favorite across the globe, and a staple for culinary artists and home herbalists alike. 

Hyssop in the kitchen

First, don't confuse hyssop with anise hyssop, as they're two different plants with separate flavorings; the latter has a licorice flavor, while regular hyssop is described as minty, but with more floral undertones and a pleasantly bitter bite. 

 

Both the flowers and leaves are edible; the blue flowers are often used as salad, soup, dessert, and beverage garnishes. When dried, whole hyssop leaves have a needle-like texture and can be very unpleasant to eat, so they're best used powdered or fresh if not contained within tea bags. A quick steam will tenderize fresh-picked hyssop leaves and bring out their flavor. In any recipe that calls for good, old-fashioned mint, you can substitute hyssop for a more complex taste. (Try this mint jelly recipe—just substitute hyssop leaves!) 

Medicinal uses

Officinalis generally means the plant is used for medicinal purposes, and hyssop has long been a valuable herb in the apothecary's toolbox. Poultices and pastes made from the leaves have been used to help heal wounds, as the oils have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Hyssop teas and lozenges are used to combat gastrointestinal issues such as gas and colic, as well as liver and gallbladder problems. It's also a popular herbal remedy for menstrual cramps. It's used as an expectorant to treat coughs and other respiratory issues, and it's thought to be useful in treating cancer. If you are prone to seizures, however, consult with your doctor before taking hyssop.

 

Want to vaporize hyssop, use it topically, or as a substitute for mint extract? Here's how to make hyssop essential oil!

Growing conditions

Hyssopus officinalis originated in hot, dry climates, but it's naturalized throughout North America due to its adaptability. It's grown as a perennial in USDA growing zones 4-9, and readily self-seeds or can be propagated by division and cuttings.

 

As long as your plants have full sun and reasonable drainage, they do well beyond the reach of your irrigation system, or in neglected corners of your garden. But they appreciate a little love; give your hyssop plants rich soil and intermittent, deep watering, and they'll thrive with lots of blooms and robust foliage.  

 

Can you plant hyssop in pots? Absolutely, as long as they're placed outdoors in full sun or partial shade! Choose a container that's at least 12" in diameter and 12" deep. While hyssop can handle occasional drought when planted directly in the ground, water them whenever the top inch of soil is dry. 

Sowing Hyssop seeds

Hyssop requires warm temperatures of at least 70°F to germinate, so you might want to start your hyssop seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost. We recommend using CowPots and peat pucks, as hyssop develops a taproot that makes them finicky when transplanting. 

 

Whether you start your seeds indoors or sow them directly in the garden, it's best to press them onto the soil surface—no more than 1/16" deep—as they need sunlight to germinate. Keep them moist with a fine mist until the seedlings are well-established. Transplant or thin your young hyssop plants so they're 12 to 18 inches apart. 

Pests and diseases

Hyssop is particularly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice as a companion plant to species that could use a little help fending off bugs, fungi, and soil bacteria. Still, be sure you don't overwater your plants, and give them proper spacing; this will help ensure their woody bases don't experience rot—something that can threaten any woody perennial native to dry climates. 

 

Have a deer problem? They're not fans of hyssop and may help keep those pesky rats on stilts from nibbling on neighboring plants. 

Start planning your garden with Seed Needs! 

You might not be so ambitious that you're designing an intricate knot garden this coming spring to enjoy hyssop plants, but whatever dreams you have for your landscaping, we've got you covered. We only sell the freshest, non-GMO seeds, and as a small (but growing!) family business, we're here to help our customers green up their thumbs. Shop for Hyssopus officinalis seeds in our online store, or contact us if you have questions! 

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