Does Hyssop Spread? Companion Plants, Uses & Safety
Does hyssop spread (like mint)? Learn how it grows, the best companion plants, pet considerations, how to harvest for tea, and simple ways to use it.
I’ll be honest—hyssop doesn’t get the fanfare it deserves. It isn’t flashy like echinacea or trendy like lavender, but if you want hard-working herbs that earn their keep, hyssop makes the cut.
Wondering if it will take over your beds? Quick answer: it doesn’t spread by runners like mint, but it can reseed if it’s happy. I’ll show you how to keep it in bounds, what to plant alongside it, and a few easy ways to use it—tea included.
What Exactly Is Hyssop?
Hyssop is a perennial mint family herb with woody lower stems, narrow leaves, and spiky blooms in purple, blue, pink, or white. Once it’s settled, it’s tough, drought-tolerant, and doesn’t ask for much beyond sun and drainage. Bees pile onto it, and you’ll see butterflies and the occasional hummingbird, too.
Why I Make Room for Hyssop in My Garden (And Why You Might, Too)
Let’s talk about the practical reasons I keep hyssop around—and why you might want to make room for it as well.
It’s Practically a Pollinator Magnet
One of the biggest reasons I grow hyssop is how it pulls in the pollinators. I’m talking bees, butterflies, even the occasional hummingbird. In a garden where every extra pollinator makes a difference, plants like this earn their keep.
Plus, the more bees hanging around my hyssop, the more they’ll wander over to the squash and cucumbers nearby. Win-win.
It’s Got a Long History of Medicinal Use
Hyssop has been used in folk medicine for centuries, especially for respiratory issues. People have brewed it as a tea to help ease coughs, soothe sore throats, and support digestion. It’s a handy herb to have on hand, especially if you lean toward natural remedies.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or managing a condition, check with your provider before using any herb medicinally.
It’s Culinary—If You’re Into That Sort of Thing
Truth be told, I don’t reach for hyssop often in the kitchen, but it’s got a place. The leaves and flowers have a minty, slightly bitter flavor that works well in small amounts. Some folks use it to infuse honey or vinegar, flavor liqueurs, or even add a little something extra to roasted meats.
Think of it as a more rugged, herbal cousin to mint and thyme. Try a hyssop-infused honey or a light splash in vinegar for dressings—a little goes a long way.
It’s Low-Maintenance and Pretty, Too
Once hyssop settles into your garden, it’s easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunshine but doesn’t need babying. It holds its shape, doesn’t flop all over the place, and adds a nice vertical element with those tall flower spikes.
I’ve found it fits right in alongside other herbs like sage and thyme—low-key and tidy.
Care & Quick Facts
Sun: Full sun (aim for 6+ hours).
Soil: Well-drained; sandy or gritty mixes shine.
Water: Let the top inch dry between waterings; avoid soggy roots.
Size: Most varieties mature around 18–24 inches tall and about as wide.
Containers: Yes—use a pot 12 inches+ with excellent drainage. A gritty herb mix (or potting soil cut with coarse sand/perlite) helps prevent winter rot.
USDA Zones: Commonly hardy in Zones 4–9 (double-check your specific variety and local microclimate).
Propagation & Overwintering
Division: Split established clumps in spring every 2–3 years to refresh growth.
Cuttings: Root softwood cuttings in late spring/early summer; keep evenly moist until established.
Self-Sowing: If you want volunteers, let a few flowers set seed; deadhead to keep it contained.
Winter Care: In colder zones, a light mulch protects roots. For container plants, move pots to a sheltered, well-drained spot and keep soil just barely moist—never waterlogged.
Heads up: True hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) and anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) aren’t the same; flavors and flowers differ, but basic care is similar. Use the tips above for either, then tailor to your specific cultivar.
If you’re looking for more plants that work just as hard as hyssop, you might enjoy this post on how to improve your garden with permaculture herbs.
Questions You Might Have About Growing Hyssop
If you’re thinking about adding hyssop to your garden, here are a few common questions that might come up.
Put Your Hyssop to Work: Congestion Tea Recipe
One of my favorite ways to put my homegrown hyssop to use is this simple tea for congestion. It’s easy to make, soothing when you’re feeling run down, and a good reminder of why these old-fashioned herbs still deserve a spot in our gardens. I also love having other simple remedies on hand when cold season hits. If you do too, you might appreciate this recipe for the best homemade cough medicine using simple pantry staples.
Here’s how I make it:
Hyssop Congestion Tea
This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase using the links in this recipe, I may earn a commission.
Equipment
- Tea Infusing Spoon optional
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil.8 oz. Water
- Place the dried hyssop (or fresh, if you have it) into a tea infusing spoon or simply into a heat-safe mug.1 tbsp. Hyssop (dried)
- Pour the boiling water over the herbs, cover, and let steep for about 10 minutes to pull out the beneficial oils.
- Strain if needed, then stir in honey and lemon to taste. Both are optional, but I find they make this tea extra soothing.1 tbsp. Raw Honey, 1 tsp. Lemon
Notes
Nutrition
Love this kind of practical, real-life garden advice? Save this post on Pinterest so you can find it again when you need it!
Worth the space? For me? Yes. Without question. Hyssop earns its keep here season after season. It supports the pollinators, offers a little herbal medicine when I need it, and doesn’t demand much in return.
If you’ve got a sunny spot and you like plants that work as hard as you do, hyssop is worth a look.
Thanks for spending a little time here with me today. I’m glad we get to share this homesteading life—even the small, herbal parts of it.