Hyssop- Hyssopus officinalis

The name hyssop comes from the Greek hussopos and the Hebrew esob meaning 'holyherb.' Because of its strong camphor-like odor, it was used historically as a cleansing herb. In the seventeenth century, it was used as a strewing herb in sick rooms and to cleanse lepers, as noted in biblical writings.
description
The bushy, compact, upright plant has many branched square stems which are woody at the bottom. The 1-to-1 1/2-inch long leaves are opposite, linear to lanceolate, and sessile. The two-lipped blue-violet flowers grow up to 1/2 inch long on spikes in successive axillary whorls. They have a bell-shaped calyx and a tubular corolla. The fruit is comprised of four nutlets.
Plant type and hardiness
Perennial; hardiness zones 4 to 5.
Height and width
Height 20 to 36 or more inches; width 16 inches.
Light and soil
Full sun to partial shade; light, dry, rocky, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7.
Pests and disease
None noted.
Cultivation
In early spring, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Thin in early summer to 1 foot apart for a tighter planting and 2 feet apart for ample spacing. Occasionally prune plants and remove old flower heads. Plants may need to be replaced every four to five years.
Insider's Secret
Hyssop is said to repel flea beetles and lure away cabbage moths. Try planting hyssop next to cabbage and grapes.
Propagation method
Seeds; cuttings or division in spring or fall.
Bloom time and color
June to September; blue-violet.
Harvesting
Harvest just before the flowers begin to open. Hang in bunches upside down in a shady, warm, airy location. Remove the leaves and flowers from the stems. Place in airtight containers. Do not harvest the woody stem as the flavor and scent are not the same as that of the leaves and flowers.
Herbal uses
Aromatic, cosmetic, culinary, and medicinal. Hyssop scents potpourris and perfumes. It is used in soothing herbal baths and in herbal facials to cleanse the skin. The mintlike leaves and flowers add flavor to green salads, soups, fruit salads, and teas. Hyssop can be grown in containers. It is said to have some medicinal qualities.
Insider's secret
Hyssop must be planted early in the garden or started indoors. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

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