Hysopps
Sometimes, I buy plants without really knowing what they are. In other words, there are times I am shopping at a plant store and I see a “pretty one” that catches my eye.
Without even knowing what it’s called, or where the best place to plant it, I just pick it up, take it to the counter, and shell out a few dollars for it, and wait until later to learn more about it.
Well, during the course of the summer, one of these plants I bought earlier in the spring was putting on quite a display in my front garden bed. Better yet, it had hummingbirds swarming all around it. So, I pinched off a flower, headed to my book shelf full of gardening books, and did some research.
“Of course!” I exclaimed, as I had simply not seen one of these mystery plants for awhile. Thus, I found a new favorite, for the moment. The Hyssop, the mystery plant, was outshining all the others around it, and I wanted to rush out and buy more of these.
The Hyssop (Latin name Hyssopus) is a semi-woody plant with about 10-12 species in its family. It is a aromatic flower, with erect branched stems, reaching up to the sky. Attached at the end are beautiful small blue flowers, which hummingbirds and butterflies love.
Many people use Hyssops as herbs. In fact, in the book of Exodus, chapter 12:22, the Israelites were told to “Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood of a basin, and put some on the top and on both sides of the door frame. Not one of you shall go out of the house until morning.”
It is also mentioned in the book of Leviticus, chapters 14 and 19, of the Old Testament. The leaves have a strong mint flavor to it, and can be used in salads. Also, you might put a pinch of the leaf in a glass of lemonade or tea, but not too much, as the taste can be a bit bitter if too much is used.
Hyssops do best in full sun with well drained soil. As most of the soil on my land is hard clay, I have to add amendments, such as compost, cow manure, etc. before planting.
After flowering, the Hyssop’s life span is only a few years, as they are short lived plants, but they are indeed perennials, and are well worth the effort.
After all, you get a stunningly beautiful blue flower, hummingbirds and butterflies dancing around them, and a Biblical herb as a bonus to enjoy during your meal.