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Hyssop, Rock - Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus

Type: Perennial

Rock Hyssop or Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus is an attractive perennial herb that will make a fantastic hedging plant or border, as it grows from 60cm to 90cm tall, and can be back hard in the spring (into older woody stems) to encourage new growth and keep the plant tidy.

A bushy plant, Rock Hyssop or Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus has an upright habit, and many stems of short spike-like green leaves, and deep blue flower spikes appear in Summer, creating an absolutely beautiful display. Rock Hyssop grows to 30cm and is a particularly compact variety.

Although cultivated mostly for medicinal purposes, the leaves do have limited culinary uses e.g. used sparingly in salads, marinades and stews and the volatile oil of Hyssop is used today as an ingredient in some liquors, including Benedictine and Chartreuse.

Because of its strong, camphor-like smell, Hyssop is known mainly as a cleansing herb, and the leaves and flowers of Hyssop have a licorice-minty taste, so can be added to poultry stuffings (with sage), chicken soup, and can be dried for use in teas.  

Preferring well-drained dry soil and a sunny position, Hyssop will grow well with little maintenance, and is an attractive addition to the border as well as the herb garden.