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Herbaceous Perennial

Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

rock hyssop

A compact, semi-evergreen sub-shrub to around 60cm high, with a dense, upright habit and aromatic, linear leaves. Slender spikes of funnel-shaped blue flowers are produced in summer and early autumn

Other common names
hyssop
Synonyms
Hyssopus aristatus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
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 GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
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
France, Spain, Balkans

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 10 in mid-spring

Pests

May be susceptible to sage leafhopper

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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