Purple Giant Hyssop sets soft plumes of the palest purple flowers that top out at 6 feet, soaring above most other plants in the garden. The individual blossoms open over a period of several weeks summer through fall. That long bloom time, combined with high nectar content, makes this plant highly attractive to bees and butterflies, including the federally-endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee (see photo). Birds feed on the seeds that follow. The sturdy, sqaure stems support foliage that turns a rich brown and provides upright interest throughout the winter months. No need to try to prounounce the species name, skrof-yew-lar-ee-ih-FOE-lee-ah, just know it's a fantastic pollinator plant that we hope catches on in more native landscapes.
It can be cut back in late spring to reduce overall plant height and encourage a bushier appearance. Sensitive to competition, Purple Giant Hyssop requires some habitat disturbance to persist in an area over time.
In several eastern states, Purple Giant Hyssop is listed as threatened or endangered.
It can be cut back in late spring to reduce overall plant height and encourage a bushier appearance. Sensitive to competition, Purple Giant Hyssop requires some habitat disturbance to persist in an area over time.
In several eastern states, Purple Giant Hyssop is listed as threatened or endangered.
