Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus – Hyssop –

Description

Hyssopus – Hyssop – There are about 5 species of variable, aromatic herbaceous perennials and evergreen or semi evergreen shrubs, in this genus. They occur in dry sandy, and rocky sites from Northern Mediterranean coast to Central Asia. The linear to lance shaped, ovate or oblong leaves are mid or blue green. It bears tubular, violet-blue to pink flowers with protruding stamens held in whorls on narrow, spike like, terminal inflorescences. H. officinalis and its cultivars are grown for their aromatic foliage and flowers, and are excellent for a rock garden or herb garden. They are also suitable for low hedging, and for growing at the base of warm, sunny wall or in containers. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, the foliage has culinary and medicinal uses. Grow in fertile, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will grow in dry sandy soil. H. officinalis subsp. aristatus  – This dense, dwarf semi evergreen, upright, aromatic shrub grows 2′ feet tall. From erect shoots it carries linear to narrowly lance shaped, or oblong, pointed bright green leaves, to 2″ long. From mid summer to early autumn it bears slender spike of whorled, funnel shaped, 2 lipped, dark blue flowers, ½” long. Zones 6-9