I hope everyone had a splendid July fourth this year! Proud to be able to live among, share with and work with a great nation of people. Hopefully you were all safe with your fireworks and have entered this week in one piece. Your digits increase gardening productivity! Now that the smell of burning mini rockets and the lingering glare of the beautiful flash bangs we call fireworks are gone, lets discusses a plant that will make you say “Oooo and ahhhh”! This weeks Plant of the Week has a wonderfully entrancing aroma and a year long colorful explosion you will love.  Lets talk about Hyssop and how it is guaranteed to improve you landscape!

Why Grow Hyssop?

Hyssop holds its flowers atop sturdy terminal shoots that grow up to three feet. Its blooms come in whites, pink, blues and purples and last from June through August. Swaying to the winds gentle entrancing rhythm, you will not be able to look away from the almost grass like finely texture foliage that is a deep pleasing green. The blooms are aromatic, making them a plant for the senses and perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Hyssop is easily maintained and eager to please as well. This means once established its just joy joy and more joy for you!

Where to Grow Hyssop?

Another great quality this perennial is its tolerance of planting location. Often grown in containers, massed in borders or trimmed to form a hedge, this plant can be used in a great deal of ways. Here in Indiana I would stray from mass planting and hedges at a home due to our cooler temps. Instead, use this perennial as a sort of accent shrub to add perennial height and color to a space. Planting in a flower box under a window (find a smaller variety) would be a perfect way to add color, charm and a natural sweet smell to your home. Well placed containers would also add character and color to a patio or garden space! However, a mass planting is not impossible, so do not completely disregard the idea! Provide Hyssop with full sun and water during any drought and you will enjoy this plant for many years!

What does Eagleson think?

I think Hyssop is a top notch perennial! I would grade it an A- plant for Indiana. Its ability to add prolonged color and interest to a space, while being low maintenance and easy to control makes it easy to score highly.  Why the A- then you ask? Due to our cooler weather here, we do not get the full semi-evergreen enjoyment out of this plant. This in my book means I need to dock it a few points. Nothing can be perfect! Isn’t that some of the beauty of the world we live in today? Check out more about his plant here and have a wonderful week!