Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus

Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus is a form of dwarf official hyssop, with a denser and bushier habit than the species. This undershrub native to the Mediterranean basin is cultivated as a medicinal and condiment plant for its leaves and flowers that enhance salads and stuffings. It is also used in the composition of liqueurs. Its regularly rounded habit and its violet-blue flowers are similar to lavender. Honey-rich and nectar-rich. This hardy undershrub deserves a place in the ornamental garden where it is particularly generous in the sun, in well-drained, even dry, soil. Ideal in a rockery.

Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like sage, thyme, mint, and other oregano, which share numerous medicinal properties. It is the dwarf form of Hyssopus officinalis, native to the Mediterranean region, the Near East, and the Caucasus, where it grows on arid hillsides. It is an undershrub with thin and erect branches, forming a well-balanced small bush, reaching 45cm (18in) in all directions, whose growth is rapid depending 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 lavender-blue flowers are tiered in long clusters at the end of the branches. They are tubular and show protruding stamens. This flowering attracts a large number of 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.