Hyssopus

Hyssopus

Hyssopus officinalis ( European Hyssop )
A semievergreen to evergreen shrubby perennial, reaching up to 2 x 3 feet in size, that is native to southern Europe; eastward to the Caucasus ( south to northern Turkey and Iran in mountains ). It has naturalized in parts of North America. It can be clipped and makes an excellent low hedge. It is related to Mint and is often used as a fresh herb in cooking. It also has uses in herbal medicine such as increasing circulation.
The aromatic, small, linear leaves, up to 2 ( rarely over 1 ) inches in length, are deep green.
The blue ( rarely pink or white ), funnel-shaped flowers, up to 0.5 inches long, are borne on spikes up to 2 feet high. They are borne mid-summer into autumn.
The fragrant and abundant flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline, well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant.
Propagation is from cuttings taken during spring as well as root division during early spring.

* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA

* historical archive photo

'Albus'
White flowers; otherwise identical to species.

subsp. aristatus
Reaches up to 2 feet x 15 inches, with deep green foliage and showy deep blue flower spikes borne during mid summer.

Hyssopus seravschanicus ( Tajikistan Hyssop )
A semi-evergreen, woody-based perennial, reaching up to 2 x 2 feet in size, that is native to open mountain slopes. It looks similar to Hyssopus officinalis. In the U.S., it can be found at US Perennials in Indiana.
The toothed leaves are aromatic.
The blue flowers appear early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline, well drained soil. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant.
Propagation is from cuttings taken during spring as well as root division during early spring. It is surprisingly humidity tolerant considering its natural range.
Recommended article on Tajikistan Hyssop's use as a antimicrobial or antibiotic.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237466755_Composition_and_antimicrobial_activity_of_the_essential_oil_of_Hyssopus_seravschanicus_growing_wild_in_Tajikistan