Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southern Europe, Mediterranean and central Asia. It grows 40–80 cm (16–31 in) tall and 50–70 cm (20–28 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Hyssop in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Hyssop at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–70 cm (20–28 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Native to | Southern Europe, Mediterranean and central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Hyssop toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: essential oil
Essential oil contains pinocamphone and can trigger seizures in large doses; garden culinary use is small.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hyssop
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Hyssop
- How far apart should I plant Hyssop?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–70 cm (20–28 in).
- Does Hyssop need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hyssop need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Hyssop?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Hyssop flower?
- From about July for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hyssop poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Essential oil contains pinocamphone and can trigger seizures in large doses; garden culinary use is small.
- What grows well with Hyssop?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hyssop. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Semi-evergreen woody-based perennial; needs well-drained soil.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare