How big does Hyssop grow?

About 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 45–60 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Hyssop grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far apart should Hyssop be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 35 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 4 plants per metre.

When does Hyssop flower?

Flowering: June–September, blue, purple, pink, white.

How much water does Hyssop need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinalis

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.

Illustration of Hyssop — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, aromatic, woody-based subshrub that draws bees and butterflies with spikes of blue, or less often pink or white, flowers from early summer into autumn, and its leaves can be used as a herb. It belongs in a sunny, dry spot with limy soil and, when clipped, makes a low edging hedge or a frame for a herb garden. Trim it in spring or it goes bare and flops open, and expect to replace it with young plants every few years.

Watch out for

It is short-lived: without a regular spring trim it goes bare and splays open within a few years and has to be replaced. It dies out in wet, heavy soil that stays waterlogged in winter. It seeds itself around the bed. There are no serious pests or diseases, though nematodes can occur.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, blue, purple, pink, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	45–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, blue, purple, pink, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Low hedge plants Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

Looks good next to it

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