Hyssopus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Hyssopus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Hyssop: Cultivation & Garden Use
Hyssopus plants are a common member of many gardens; they are hardy perennial herbs that reach between 45 and 60 cm in height.
The common name for Hyssopus is Hyssop.
The Hyssop plant has lance shaped leaves, and it blooms with tiny tube flowers of pink, blue, or white flowers towards the end of summer.
Hyssopus officinalis - Dwarf hyssop by peganum.
Hyssopus Plant Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Hyssop.Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
Height: 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm).
Native: Mediterranean, Central and Eastern Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Late in summer.
Flower Details: Blue, white, pink. Tiny. Tube. Fragrant.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Semi-woody. Dark green. Lance-shaped. Narrow. Oblong.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Before the last frost. Spacing 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to two months. Temperature: 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C). Two months in advance. Transplant outdoors in the spring.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Dry soil. Light soil. Cut back to ground level in the autumn. Drought tolerant. Requires to be divided every four years to maintain vigor. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the autumn in warmer areas; or from summer cuttings.
Miscellaneous: Used in perfumery to create Eau de Cologne. Used in the drink trade to color Absinthe. The strongly bitterly flavoured Herb Hyssop leaves have many Culinary uses, especially for soups. The herb Hyssop is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of coughs and as an antiseptic.
How to Grow Hyssop (Hyssopus Plant)
When growing Hyssop, the seeds should be sowed at the start of spring before the last frost. It is best to lightly cover the Hyssop sees once sown.
Hyssop like to grow in a part of the garden that is either sunny or partin shade.
Ideally the soil should be light and of a dry nature.
If you plan to first grow Hyssop indoors, then they should be started about ten weeks before they are due to be put out in the garden in spring.
It will take from two to seven weeks for the seeds to germinate at a temperature of 15 to 21 degrees centigrade (59 to 70°F). Once ready, transplant the Hyssop seedlings about 45 to 90 cm (18 to 36 inches) apart.
Caring for Hyssop and other Hyssopus Plants in the Garden
Hyssopus plants are fairly easy to maintain. They should be cut back every autumn, and divided every four years to maintain vigour.
Division is also a good way to propagate new Hyssop plants; this is best done in the spring.
Common Questions
How many members does the Hyssopus genus have?
The Hyssopus genus includes from 10 to 12 species. Hyssopus officinalis, commonly known as hyssop, is a popular herbaceous plant known for its medicinal and culinary uses.
Do members of Hyssopus make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, hyssop is a great choice for a garden. It has beautiful spikes of blue flowers, and its aromatic leaves are loved by bees and butterflies.
Which Hyssopus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Hyssopus officinalis, commonly referred to as hyssop, is most frequently grown by gardeners for its ornamental, culinary, and medicinal properties.
Are members of the Hyssopus plant genus fragrant?
Yes, the leaves of Hyssopus officinalis release a strong, aromatic fragrance when crushed, often described as a mix of mint and blackcurrant.
What is the perfect location to grow Hyssopus?
Hyssop thrives in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor, dry soils and is a good choice for rock gardens and herb gardens.
Is Hyssopus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Hyssopus is not considered invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Hyssopus plants from my garden?
To remove Hyssopus, dig up the entire plant, ensuring that all root material is removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Hyssopus plant genus is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It includes herbaceous plants and shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. They are known for their aromatic foliage, and have spikes of small, blue flowers. Hyssops are often used for culinary use.
The Hyssopus plant prefers a location with full sun and a well-drained soil. Plants are drought-tolerant and thus typically require minimal watering. Propagation is usually done from seeds or cuttings, typically in spring or early summer.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hyssopus plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Tecophilaea, Fritillaria plant, and Arisaema plants.
Found the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
Genus Index H
