Hyssop Companion Plants: What to Grow and What to Avoid
Understand how hyssop influences its garden neighbors to create a more productive plot by fostering beneficial plant pairings and avoiding poor ones.
Hyssop, a member of the mint family, is a useful and attractive herb for gardens. The practice of companion planting, growing different species in proximity for mutual benefit, can help create a balanced garden ecosystem. Understanding which plants grow well with hyssop and which to avoid can enhance the health and productivity of your garden. This approach allows nature to assist in managing pests and supporting plant growth.
Benefits of Hyssop in a Companion Garden
One of the primary advantages of planting hyssop is its ability to attract beneficial insects. The plant’s vibrant flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including honeybees and butterflies. This increased pollinator traffic is advantageous for any nearby fruit and vegetable plants that rely on insect pollination for development. Beekeepers sometimes rub hives with hyssop to help bees find their way back home.
Hyssop also plays a role in deterring certain garden pests. It is known to repel cabbage moths and flea beetles, which can be destructive to common garden vegetables. The presence of hyssop can help protect vulnerable plants by confusing or distracting these insects.
Good Companion Plants for Hyssop
Vegetables
Hyssop is beneficial for members of the brassica family. Planting it near cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower can help protect these vegetables from the cabbage moth. The aromatic nature of hyssop masks the scent of the brassicas, making it harder for moths to locate their host plants. Brussels sprouts are also a good companion, as their proximity is said to be beneficial for the growth of the hyssop itself.
Fruits
Grapes are one of the fruits that benefit most from having hyssop planted nearby. It is believed that hyssop stimulates the growth of grapevines, leading to potentially higher yields. Placing hyssop under fruit trees can also be advantageous by helping to repel pests like flea beetles.
Herbs and Flowers
While hyssop is a member of the mint family, it is not as invasive as some of its relatives, making it safer for interplanting. It grows well alongside other Mediterranean herbs that appreciate similar growing conditions, such as full sun and well-drained soil. Good companions include lavender and rosemary. Pairing hyssop with other pollinator-friendly flowers like bee balm, coneflowers, and alliums can create a garden that supports a healthy ecosystem.
Plants to Avoid Near Hyssop
The most widely documented plant to avoid growing near hyssop is the radish. Hyssop is believed to release compounds into the soil that can inhibit the growth of radishes, leading to poor development and a disappointing harvest.
While hyssop benefits brassicas, it should be kept away from radishes. To ensure the success of a radish crop, provide ample space between them and any hyssop plants in the garden. This separation prevents the potential growth-inhibiting effects from impacting the radishes.