Plant Library

Description:

Aromatic and attractive, this compact hyssop is a perfect addition to the garden; considered to be annual or a short-lived perennial, but re-seeds itself freely

Edible Qualities

Dwarf Blue Hyssop is a perennial herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities. The narrow dark green leaves are usually harvested from mid spring to early fall. The leaves have a minty taste.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

• Seasoning
• Tea

Features & Attributes

Dwarf Blue Hyssop features showy spikes of fragrant purple flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late summer. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.

This is an herbaceous perennial herb with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Self-Seeding

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Dwarf Blue Hyssop is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Herb Gardens

Planting & Growing

Dwarf Blue Hyssop will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant is typically grown in a designated herb garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.