PlantFiles: Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 2' and has narrow, pointed leaves. Spikes of small flowers that are violet/blue bloom in late summer and attract butterflies and bees. There are also white and pink varieties. Hyssop is evergreen in mild climates. The leaves are used in small quantities with meats and fish. The essential oil made from the leaves has antiseptic properties and are also used in perfumes. Hardy zones 3-11. Best cultivated in full sun, fertile good draining soil. Propagate from cuttings or seed.

I've been growing both blue and white varieties of Hyssop for the last five years... in my garden in Northwestern England the bushes flower from the end of June through to the middle/end of September...the bushes like plenty of space for their roots but grow very well in large containers...Hyssop was one of the original Elizabethan 'strewing' herbs, because of its antiseptic properties, and was used as a hedging plant in the formal Elizabethan herb gardens...prune back in autumn after collecting seeds...

Hyssop makes a wonderful herbal tea. Its slight anise flavor makes a great complement to citrus-based blends. The plant grows so large that lots of leaves and flowers are available for use.

I'm 71 years of age and plagued with Tinea Corpus. No medication is able to effect this fungal problem.
I came across the following on the net and wish to make a tincture from Hyssop.
"Actually, some of the terpenes particularly germacrene-D and its relatives, have some antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Interestingly, these compounds while completely worthless for treating leprosy may have some effect on diseases such as tinea corpus and others which might be easily be confused with leprosy. Perhaps mistaken identity is why hyssop was incorrectly thought to be efficacious for treating leprosy."
Another problem is that I live in Australia and seed imports are a big no-no! Can anyone help!

A useful culinary herb - and great for tisanes as lupinelover recommends. In my area of SW France all the plants seem to have rich royal blue flowers which makes a welcome bold splash in the herb garden

Just started from seed this season and already blooming. Very pretty and dainty blue flowers and very aromatic.

I live in Arvada, CO and bought a Hyssop "rosa" this year as a patio plant. It has bloomed beautifully all spring & summer. But I do have a question. Should I bring it in over the winter? I am striving for deck plants that can stay out in their pots here in the Rocky Mountains.

I love this plant! It has beautiful bright blue flowers. I let the plants go to seed & after being harvested the plants rebloomed with more flowers than originally.