Pink Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus'
ABOUT
Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', commonly known as pink hyssop, is a perennial herb distinguished by its showy pink flowers that bloom in whorls on spikes. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are dark green and aromatic when crushed. Pink hyssop's foliage is dense and fine-textured, giving the plant a bushy appearance. The vibrant pink flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to the dynamic life of the garden. Its stems are square in cross-section, a trait it shares with other members of its family. When not in bloom, pink hyssop's leaves provide a rich backdrop for other plants in the garden.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pink Hyssop, Rosy Hyssop
Common names
Hyssopus officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Hyssop is generally considered to be non-toxic to humans when consumed in the typical small amounts used for culinary purposes. However, when consumed in large quantities or used therapeutically at high doses, it can potentially cause serious side effects due to its volatile oils, particularly thujone. Overconsumption can lead to symptoms such as convulsions, seizures, and increased heart rate. It is important to use hyssop with caution, and it is recommended not to be used medicinally by pregnant or nursing women, or people with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
To pets
Hyssop, while not widely known as a toxic plant to pets, may still present risks similar to those in humans when ingested in large amounts. The essential oils and compounds like thujone in hyssop can be potentially harmful to pets, leading to symptoms that may include gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system effects such as seizures or tremors. Care should be taken to prevent pets from ingesting large amounts of the plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Southern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Use: Hyssop leaves and flowers have a minty, slightly bitter taste and are used to flavor soups, salads, sauces, and meats.
- Aromatic: The plant is highly fragrant, making it a pleasant addition to gardens and a useful plant for potpourris and aromatic sachets.
- Attracts Pollinators: Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', commonly known as Pink Hyssop, attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding pollination in the garden.
- Ornamental Use: With its pink flowers and compact growth habit, Pink Hyssop is often used in garden design for borders, rock gardens, and as an ornamental feature.
- Herbal Teas: The leaves are used to make herbal teas, offering a uniquely aromatic blend.
- Natural Pest Repellent: Anecdotal evidence suggests that Hyssopus officinalis can deter certain pests due to its strong scent.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Hyssop can help relieve spasms in the respiratory system, muscular spasms, and digestive system spasms.
- Expectorant: It may aid in clearing mucus from the lungs and respiratory tracts.
- Antiseptic: Hyssop has properties that can help prevent the growth of microbes, reducing the risk of infection.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antirheumatic: Traditionally used to help relieve rheumatic pain.
- Stimulant: It has been used to stimulate the systems of the body, including the digestive and circulatory systems.
- Carminative: Hyssop can help relieve flatulence and reduce gas in the digestive tract.
- Antiviral: Contains compounds that may have effects against certain viruses.
- Emmenagogue: Traditionally used to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus, causing menstruation.
- Diaphoretic: Promotes sweating, helping in the reduction of fevers and aiding the detoxification process.
- Digestive Aid: Used as a remedy for digestive issues and to stimulate appetite and digestion.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hyssop 'Roseus' can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from green to yellow, depending on the mordant used.
- The plant is sometimes included in potpourri mixes for its aromatic leaves and attractive flowers.
- The essential oil of Hyssop 'Roseus' is used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and uplifting scent.
- It can be planted in gardens as a companion plant to cabbage and grapes, as it is believed to enhance their growth and flavor.
- Hyssop 'Roseus' is sometimes planted in bee gardens to attract pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
- Gardeners use the plant as a natural border or hedge because of its uniform growth habit and attractive foliage.
- Hyssop 'Roseus' has been historically used to clean sacred spaces and ritual objects with its supposed purifying properties.
- This variety of hyssop can be used to flavor liqueurs and spirits with its distinctive, bitter taste.
- Hyssop 'Roseus' leaves are sometimes used as a culinary herb, though sparingly, to flavor dishes like soups and stews.
- The flowers can be used as a decorative edible garnish in salads and desserts for their color and mild flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pink Hyssop is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Hyssop is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purification: Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', also known as Pink Hyssop, is commonly associated with purification due to its historical use in cleansing rituals and its antiseptic properties.
- Protection: Pink Hyssop has been used to ward off negativity and evil spirits, making it a symbol of spiritual safeguarding.
- Sacredness: This plant has a long-standing association with sacred rites and is often used to sanctify sacred spaces.
- Healing: With its medicinal qualities, Pink Hyssop represents healing, particularly in traditional herbalism and natural remedies.
WaterPink Hyssop should be watered regularly but with moderation to prevent waterlogging as it prefers well-drained soil. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually about once a week, providing about one to two gallons per watering for an established plant. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and further in winter to match the plant's slower growth and reduced water needs.
LightPink Hyssop thrives best in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It's ideal to place the plant in a spot where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day to ensure healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperaturePink Hyssop is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it performs best in climates where temperatures remain between 60°F and 70°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to around 15°F, but frost can damage it. It's ideal to ensure that Pink Hyssop doesn't experience prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F.
PruningPrune Pink Hyssop to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more prolific blooming. Pruning should be done in early spring, just as new growth appears. It can also be lightly pruned after flowering to remove spent blooms and tidy the plant, usually once or twice during the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink Hyssop thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of between 7.0 and 8.0. An ideal soil mix consists of one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sharp sand or fine gravel to enhance drainage.
RepottingPink Hyssop should be repotted every two to three years, or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure optimal growth and to refresh the soil, which depletes nutrients over time.
Humidity & MistingPink Hyssop does not require high humidity; average ambient humidity is suitable for this herbaceous plant. It is well-adapted to outdoor conditions and does not need additional humidity when grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pink Hyssop in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant Pink Hyssop in full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleHyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', commonly known as Pink Hyssop, begins its life as a seed, which when sown in the spring, after the last frost, or started indoors a few weeks earlier, will germinate in soil with full sun exposure. The seeds emerge as seedlings, with the first true leaves developing within a couple of weeks, indicating the start of the vegetative stage where the plant focuses on leaf growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in the summer, producing pink flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules toward the end of the summer or early fall, where seeds mature for future reproduction. As a perennial herb, Pink Hyssop will die back to the ground in winter in colder climates, but its root system remains alive, allowing it to regrow in the next growing season. The plant may also be propagated through cuttings or division to create new plants that will follow the same life cycle stages.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Hyssop, specifically the Hyssopus officinalis 'Roseus', can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division. However, the most popular method is by seed. To propagate hyssop by seed, the best time to start is either in the fall or early spring. Fall sowing allows the cold weather to naturally stratify the seeds, promoting better germination in the spring. If starting in spring, seeds can be sown indoors under lights 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or directly outside after the danger of frost has passed. When sowing, sprinkle the tiny seeds on top of the soil or a seed starting mix, and press them in gently, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into the garden, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches apart (roughly 30 to 45 centimeters), once they have grown strong enough to handle the conditions outdoors.
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