hyssop, blue

atin name: hyssopus

zone:  3-9
type: perennial
light: full sun or partial shade
height: 18-24” (45-60 cm)

description:  Hardy semi-green perennial.  Dense spikes of small dark blue-violet flowers appear in summer until fall.  The small lance-shaped leaves have a slightly bitter but minty and sage-like flavour. The wonderful blue flowers, which have a sweet anise/minty flavour, are great for attracting pollinating insects into the garden.  Hyssop is a great companion plant in the vegetable garden.  In our northern climate the hyssop can be used as an edging plant in an herbal knot garden.  It can be shaped and kept looking green all summer, by removing the flower stems.

harvest:  Pick young fresh leaves throughout the growing season.  Harvest leaves for drying from non-flowering stems in summer.  Pick flowers just as they open.  The scent is more intense when dried.

uses:  This plant is mainly grown in the herb garden for its medicinal properties.  It is also a tonic for the digestive, and nervous system.  In the kitchen, the leaves have a strong flavour so use them sparingly in soups, salads, legumes, and meat dishes.  The flowers can be used in salads.