Hyssopus officinalis

The officinal Hyssop or Hyssopus officinalis, is cultivated for its medicinal virtues, it is an undershrub dwarf often classified among perennials, which adapts to all sunny places. Its regularly rounded habit and its blue-violet flowers reminiscent of lavender.

Also called "Sacred Herb" by Greek civilizations, the officinal Hyssop has green matte linear, opposite, very aromatic leaves that can reach up to 50cm (19.7 in). From July to September, pretty blue-lavender flowers in narrow spikes bloom to welcome bees and butterflies.

Mediterranean plant, the officinal Hyssop will find its place in aromatic plant gardens next to mint or savory. In flower beds and rockeries, this perennial is not left behind by the beauty of its flowering. It thrives in arid, poor and limestone soils as long as the exposure remains very sunny, it also appreciates fertile soil and accepts a semi-shaded exposure in the south of France.

The harvest of fresh leaves is done according to needs and the flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering. For conservation, cut the leaf stems before flowering and dry them. Use to flavor salads, vegetables, soups, liqueurs. Hyssop is also used as an infusion (20g of leaves per liter of boiling water with a little cinnamon and honey) for the bronchi, digestion and the nervous system, but be careful, the essential oil is toxic.

In the vegetable garden: Officinal Hyssop is a repellent for ants, slugs and snails, and its infusion is sprayed against diseases caused by bacteria.