Hyssopus officinalis

Perennial ~ Height 60-90cm ~ Hardy

An ancient herb which forms a neat, upright shrub.  It has small, narrow, aromatic leaves with dense spikes of glorious deep blue flowers.

Fresh leaves can be added sparingly to stews or used with fatty fish and meat.  The flowers can be sprinkled in salads. Dried flowers can be used to make tea.

Hyssop looks good grown as a small hedge and is an excellent herb for attracting bees and butterflies.  It is also a good companion plant and thought generally beneficial to grapevines as well as helping to repel cabbage white butterflies.

Prefers well drained soil in a sunny position. Prune hard in spring to prevent becoming straggly.