Herb · Lamiaceae family
hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
In short a 10-second read
Hyssop (herb) grows to 0.45–0.6 m tall and 0.3–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are blue or purple. Plant out in March–May, September–November. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average
Soil: loamy, sandy, gravelly
Soil pH 6–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · blue or purple
Pruning
cut back by a third (March–April)
Planting out
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Ready-made combinations.
Ready-made Studio combinations that include hyssop
Lemon balm, mint, hyssop and sage — tea from the bed from spring to…
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does hyssop flower?
In July–August; the flowers are blue or purple.
Does hyssop tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does hyssop need?
At maturity 0.3–0.45 m wide and 0.45–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 38 cm.
Does hyssop survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (14)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Hyssopus officinalis
- Wikidata (CC0) — Hyssopus officinalis
- EPPO Global Database — Hyssopus officinalis
- Bamberger Staudengarten (Strobler), katalóg
- Foerster-Stauden, katalóg
- Gärtnerei Strickler, katalóg
- OSU Extension - Growing Herbs
- Missouri Botanical Garden - Herbs factsheet
- RHS - Hyssopus officinalis
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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