Hyssop

This lovely Mediterranean herb has a heady, sweet scent and when in flower is a haze of violet-blue in the garden. Flowers and leaves add a warm slightly bitter taste to salads, soups and stews.  Traditionally used as a tea or gargle for sore throats, colds and flu. Flower stalks can be hung to dry for winter use. Super hardy perennial that is easy to grow. It responds well to fall pruning to keep a nice compact shape and limit snow damage. Semi woody plants are used in knot gardens and as low hedge and attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds galore.

Hyssop officinalis

Days to maturity: 85-90

Life cycle: Perennial zones 3-9