In its wild form, hyssop is only found in warmer regions. There it inhabits rocky landscapes with dry, calcareous soils. Hyssop has been cultivated north of the Alps as a spice and medicinal herb since the Middle Ages.
The hyssop likes blazing sun
Hyssop is a hardy subshrub with ascending stems, tough, elongated leaves and dark blue flowers in dense false spikes. Its botanical name Hyssopus officinalis comes from the Hebrew. In Jewish and Catholic customs, the plant used to be used as a sprinkle of holy water.
Hyssop prefers a spot in full sun, but is otherwise a low-maintenance plant that thrives in poor soil. When growing in your own garden, the following points should be considered in relation to the location:
- a sunny, wind-protected location,
- permeable, calcareous soil,
- drought is tolerated well,
- Neighborhood with vegetables is beneficial.
tips
Hyssop is an excellent butterfly and insect food plant. However, its strong scent is not particularly appreciated by pests.