Hyssopus officinalis Roseus

Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', also known as pink hyssop, is a woody undershrub, bearing small semi-evergreen narrow and aromatic leaves on its upright branches. In summer, it produces long spikes densely covered with small pink tubular flowers. Melliferous and nectariferous, this plant has its place in the ornamental garden where it is particularly generous in the sun, in well-drained soil. Ideal in a rockery. Very hardy.

Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like sage, thyme, mint, and oregano, which all share numerous medicinal properties. It is the pink form of Hyssopus officinalis, originating from the Mediterranean rim, the Near-East, and the Caucasus, where it grows on arid hillsides. It is a small shrub with thin and upright branches, forming a small well-balanced bush, reaching 45cm (18in) in all directions. Its growth rate depends on the richness of the soil. The branches bear small semi-evergreen, bright green, narrow, aromatic leaves. Flowering takes place from June to September. The light pink flowers are layered in long clusters at the end of the branches. They are tubular and show protruding stamens. This flowering attracts many insects and butterflies.

Hyssop used to find its place in the gardens of priests and it was highly prized in medieval gardens. This medicinal plant, whose leaves are used to accompany meats and fish, fully has its place in the ornamental garden. Plant it in a large rockery alongside helianthemum, small broom, oregano, thyme, and officinal sage. Under the least humid climates, plant it on dry embankments alongside cistus, lavender and rosemary. This plant tolerates pruning well. It is possible to shape it into a ball, and it can even be used to replace boxwood along a vegetable garden path or to delimit squares of condiment plants. It adapts well to cultivation in large pots, taking care to let the substrate dry between two waterings.

Hyssop is a condiment and medicinal plant. It is used both in cooking and in phytotherapy and it is used in the manufacture of many beverages such as beer, Grande-Chartreuse, Benedictine, Pastis, and lemon balm water. Its essential oil is neurotoxic and abortive. For this reason, its marketing is regulated.