Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)

Botanical name

Hyssopus officinalis

Other names

Hyssop

Genus

Hyssopus Hyssopus

Species

H. officinalis - H. officinalis is a spreading, semi-evergreen with erect stems bearing aromatic, linear leaves and spikes of 2-lipped, tubular blue flowers in summer and early autumn.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Fragrance

Aromatic leaves

Habit

Bushy, Compact, Spreading

Colour

Flower

Dark-blue, Violet in Summer; Violet, Dark-blue in Autumn

Foliage

Green, Grey-green in Spring; Grey-green, Green in Summer; Grey-green, Green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Leafhoppers

General care

Propagation methods

Seed, Softwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), City, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Rock, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in fertile and well-drained soil. Best in alkaline to neutral soils in full sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Hyssopus officinalis (Hyssop)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/