Hyssopus officinalis ssp. aristatus
dwarf hyssop
Southern Europe and Middle East; subspecies aristatus is more compact than the typical species
Overview
Hyssopus officinalis ssp. aristatus spp. is dwarf hyssop — a compact form of the biblical herb, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and wide. The subspecies name 'aristatus' means 'awned' or 'bearded', describing the tiny bristle at the calyx tip; the practical significance is the more compact, denser habit than the typical species. Deep blue to violet-blue small tubular flowers in dense terminal spikes bloom from July through September — a 6+ week season. The species name 'officinalis' indicates historical medicinal and culinary use; hyssop is mentioned in the Bible and has been grown in European herb gardens for centuries. The narrow aromatic leaves release a strong camphor-mint fragrance when brushed. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the flowers heavily — this is a high-value pollinator herb. Lean, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Cut back by one-third in early spring to keep dense growth. Deer avoid the strongly aromatic foliage.
Native Range
Hyssopus officinalis is native to southern Europe and the Middle East. Subspecies aristatus spp. is a compact form.Suggested Uses
Used in herb gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, and containers of 3 gallons (11 liters) or more. Biblical herb with centuries of culinary and medicinal use. The deep blue flowers are heavily worked by bees, separating this from the lavender-and-pink majority of summer-flowering herbs. The compact subshrub form suits formal herb garden edges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep blue to violet-blue, small, tubular, in dense terminal spikesFoliage Description
Dark green, narrow, aromatic, glossyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun. Lean, well-drained, alkaline soil. Cut back by one-third in early spring. Shear after main bloom. Culinary herb — leaves and flowers edible.Pruning
Cut back by one-third in early spring. Shear after the main bloom to keep compact form.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons