🌿 Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
herbs
perennial sub-shrub / herb
Lamiaceae
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
low (drought-tolerant, dislikes wet soil)
🗺️ Zones
4, 9
🧪 Soil pH
6.5, 7.5 (prefers alkaline)
🪴 Soil Type
well-drained, light, sandy or chalky; tolerates poor rocky soil
🚿 Drainage
well-drained to dry
📏 Spacing
12, 18 inches
📐 Height
18, 24 inches
⏱️ Maturity
365 days (perennial, flowers second year from seed)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (9)
Both are aromatic herbs that attract pollinators; combined scents enhance pest deterrence.
Hyssop's strong aroma deters cabbage moths and flea beetles from brassicas; attracts parasitic wasps that target cabbage worms.
Hyssop improves grape yield and vigor planted at vineyard edges; attracts pollinators that also visit grape flowers.
Both are Mediterranean perennials with identical soil/sun/water needs; combined scent creates a powerful pest-repellent zone.
Hyssop's strong aroma deters aphids and rose chafers; attracts beneficial insects that protect rose blooms.
Both are drought-loving Mediterranean sub-shrubs with complementary aromatic profiles; together form an effective pest-barrier hedge.
Both prefer alkaline, dry soil and full sun; sage's ground-hugging growth complements hyssop's upright habit.
Both are low-growing Mediterranean herbs with identical cultural needs; thyme provides groundcover while hyssop provides vertical interest.
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
Different water needs , basil requires consistent moisture while hyssop demands dry soil; hyssop's strong aroma may inhibit basil growth.
Cucumbers need consistent moisture and rich soil; hyssop demands lean dry conditions. Their cultural requirements are incompatible.
Hyssop can inhibit radish growth and flavor when planted in close proximity; radishes prefer moister soil than hyssop tolerates.
📝 Growing Notes
Excellent bee and butterfly plant , flowers heavily in mid-to-late summer when other nectar sources may wane. Compact, woody perennial with beautiful blue, pink, or white flower spikes. Attracts hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Cut back by one-third after flowering to maintain compact shape. Replace plants every 4-5 years as they become woody and less productive. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a different species with licorice-anise flavor , not a true hyssop.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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