Hyssopus officinalis

A hardy evergreen perennial. It has aromatic, dark green leaves and woody stems, and during its long growing season produces pink, blue and white flowers. Hyssop grow to a height of 1-2 ft and is ideal to  grow in a container. It prefers a sunny position and light, well drained soil.

Uses: Hyssop is one of the oldest herbs and is known as a holy herb because it was once used to clean sacred buildings. It is mentioned in the Bible in this connection. Hyssop has a strong, minty taste and smell and was once used in preserving meant. Fresh Hyssop leaves can be added to green salads or vegetable soups. Hyssop is one of the herbs used to flavor the liqueur chartreuse. French cook use sprigs of hyssop to add extra flavor to tomato preserves.

Medicinal: Hyssop tea, sweetened with honey, was once used to relieve rheumatic pains and to encourage perspiration. It is also helpful in treating chest ailments. An infusion of hyssop makes a good expectorant.

Fun Facts: Ring-a-ring o´roses A pocket full of posies Atishoo, atishoo, we all fall down.
This popular children's nursery rhyme dates back to 1664 - the year of the Great Plague of London. The posies were the "magic" herbs which were carried in the pocket and were thought to ward off the virus. The herbs included hyssop, rosemary, thyme and southern wood. They were also used to disguise the unpleasant smells of the plague.