Hyssopus (Hyssopus) is a herbaceous perennial from the family Lamiaceae, which belong to the Mint subgroup. In nature, the plant is often found in Europe, the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus. The bright saturated blue color stands out against the background of the rest of the flora. The area of growth of hyssop is concentrated on flat land areas, in the steppe area or on the slopes of hills.
In addition to its pronounced decorativeness, hyssop has a number of other useful properties. Hyssop is a wonderful medicinal branchy plant with a pleasant aroma. It is considered an excellent seasoning. Growing a perennial in your own garden is a snap. Let's take a closer look at what the plant looks like, and what are the features of growing hyssop.
Hyssop description
Hyssop is a shrub that reaches 50-60 cm. The rhizome, like a strong core, firmly deepens into the ground. The lower tier of basal shoots is strongly branched. The rest of the stems grow vertically and are characterized by a four-sided structure. The pith of the stems is hollow, and the shell is covered with a green, fleecy skin. As they grow older, the root and the trunk circle next to the ground are subject to lignification.
The leaves are securely attached to the shoot with the help of petiole segments and have a rich green color. The arrangement of the leaves is predominantly opposite. The shape of the plate is dominated by oval and lanceolate. The length of each leaf does not exceed 4 cm. Hyssop smells of a bitter spicy aroma. The taste also gives off bitterness.
Throughout the summer, dense inflorescences-spikelets ripen on the top of the stem, which emerge from the sinuses of the upper tier. One spikelet consists of 3-7 corollas and looks like a blue candle. There are buds that are lilac, white or pink in color. Pollination of flowers with uneven edges occurs at the expense of insects. Perennial shows the properties of a honey plant.
When the spikelets are ripe, small, ribbed egg-shaped nuts form. As a rule, 1 g of seeds contains about 1000 pieces of such nuts.
Growing hyssop
Hyssop is grown by cuttings, dividing and seeds. The germination properties of seed can be maintained for more than 3 years. For seed cultivation of hyssop, cross-pollination of varieties is characteristic, therefore, the species characteristics of mother plants do not always remain in young bushes. Sowing is carried out without preliminary germination of seedlings.
Some gardeners still prefer to prepare the seedlings first. For this, hyssop seeds are sown in containers containing sand and peat. They are placed in grooves dug to a depth of no more than 1 cm. After a few weeks, the seedlings are on the surface. When two pairs of leaves appear, pick the seedlings in pots, keeping an interval of 5 cm from each seedling. When they grow up, and this will happen, probably in 7-8 weeks, they start planting in the garden.
It is allowed to skip the stage of breeding seedlings and in the spring to sow the material directly to the site. The flowerbed is preliminarily earthed up and holes are dug at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other. The seeds are deepened by 5-8 mm. Plants will be safe if the seedlings are covered with foil until the night frosts pass.
When the bush grows and gets stronger, it is divided into parts. Usually, plants are selected for division at the age of 3-4 years. The bushes are carefully removed from the soil and the rhizome is cut into pieces, leaving root layers and shoots in each division. Delenki are transferred to their permanent residence and buried shallowly.
Planting and caring for hyssop
Planting a hyssop on a personal plot does not cause any particular difficulties, even for beginners. However, minimal hyssop care should still be observed. The plot is selected sunny, where the soil is loose and moderately moist. The close occurrence of groundwater negatively affects the development of perennials and leads to its death. The plant prefers a slightly alkaline and neutral nutrient medium. The soil at the planting site of the hyssop is fertilized and sprinkled with lime.
Hyssop is sensitive to weed attack. Regular weeding and loosening is a prerequisite for full development.
Perennial shows resistance to arid climates. Additional irrigation is necessary in case of too prolonged drought. Drying and cracking of the soil is a sign that the plant needs watering.
In addition to moisturizing the bushes, it is required to cut off in a timely manner and maintain a round crown shape, removing at least half of the processes, then the flowering will be lush, and the greenery will be attractive. Pruning activities are carried out several times a year - in summer and autumn. We are talking about a sanitary and shaping haircut.
The plant tolerates cold and frosts quite firmly, but only in the southern regions. In the north, the soil and the trunk circle of the bushes are protected with a layer of peat mulch or dry foliage. With the arrival of March, the shelter is removed, otherwise the roots will begin to rot.
Due to its intense bitter smell, blue St. John's wort is rarely exposed to diseases and attacks of pests.
Types and varieties of hyssop with photo
Previously, botanical literature included about 50 species of hyssop. Today, the number of the plant in official scientific sources is only seven varieties.
Hyssop officinalis (Hyssopus officinalis)
The shoots of hyssop, which are hard to the touch, are woven into a dense shrub crown at a height of 20 to 80 cm. Over time, the roots and the lower part of the shoots become gritty and harden. The top of the shoots is smooth or has a short fleece layer. Lanceolate leaves are opposite and are characterized by a dark green color. In the middle or late summer, bright spikelets bloom from the axillary part of the apical foliage. A two-lipped corolla, surrounded by light green petals, is in the center of the bud along with the stamens. Tiny nuts ripen in early autumn in the place of faded spikelets.
Cretaceous hyssop (Hyssopus cretaceus)
The length of the shoots ranges from 20-50 cm. The bush is slightly oblong in shape. The origin of the name echoes the habitat of the hyssop. We are talking about chalk deposits, which form a fertile substrate necessary for the successful life of many plants. In summer, the tops of the shoots are decorated with small blue flowers that resemble spikelets. They exude a fragrance and attract insects from all over.
In addition to the named species, breeders managed to breed other decorative varieties that have already found their place in landscape design. The advantage of these varieties is the bright, prominent color of the inflorescences. These varieties include: Pink Flamingo, Hoarfrost, Accord, Amethyst and White Nikitsky.
Hyssop properties and uses
Healing properties
The tissues of the described herbaceous perennial contain many useful substances.Among them, vitamins, essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and resins play a special role.
The ground part of the hyssop has medicinal properties. Harvesting of raw materials is carried out in the summer months, when the plant is at the budding stage. Drying is organized in the fresh air. The smell gradually disappears. When the raw material dries well, it is poured into bags or cloth bags and stored in a cool, closed place.
Healing decoctions, tinctures, ointments, oils are prepared from flowers and leaves, which are used in the treatment of a number of diseases. The components of hyssop act as an excellent expectorant, laxative, bactericidal and diuretic.
To strengthen immunity and treat colds, teas are prescribed for consumption. On injured areas and bruises, lotions are made from a decoction of hyssop. Infusions stabilize the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Women are advised to drink decoctions to relieve pain in case of menstrual irregularities or as a sedative.
Dry sprigs of hyssop are added to many dishes and canned foods, which makes it possible to get real culinary masterpieces.
Contraindications
The plant stimulates and tones up the processes in the body. The use of hyssop herb is contraindicated in pregnancy. People with epileptic seizures and other mental disorders should also refrain from using hyssop. Even inhaling the aroma of vegetable oils can have serious consequences.
