More generally found in gardens than either of the following varieties. The stems are square and tender at first, but afterwards become round and woody; the leaves are opposite, small, narrow, with six or eight bract-like leaves at the same joint; the flowers are blue, in terminal spikes; seeds small, black, oblong.
Red-Flowering Hyssop.
Quite distinct from the Common or Blue-flowering. The stem is shorter, the plants are more branching in their habit, and the spikes more dense or compact; flowers fine red. It is not so hardy as the White or the Blue Flowering, and is often injured by severe winters.
White-Flowering Hyssop.
This is a sub-variety of the Common Blue-flowering; the principal if not the only mark of distinction being its white flowers. Its properties, and modes of culture, are the same.
Soil and Cultivation.—The plants require a light, warm, mellow soil; and are propagated from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing the roots. The seeds are sown in April; and, when the seedlings are two or three inches high, they are transplanted to rows eighteen inches apart, and a foot from each other in the rows. The roots may be divided or the slips set in spring or autumn.
Use.—The plant is highly aromatic. The leaves and young shoots are the parts used, and are cut, dried, and preserved as other pot-herbs.
"Hyssop has the general virtues ascribed to aromatic plants; and is recommended in asthmas, coughs, and other pulmonary disorders."—Rog.