<ul><br><li><b>Position:</b> full sun<li><b>Soil:</b> well-drained, fertile soil<li><b>Rate of growth:</b> average<li><b> Flowering period:</b> July to October<li><b> Hardiness:</b> hardy (borderline)<br><br>Hyssops are great for adding vertical accents to a border, with whorls of long-lasting, tiny flowers arranged like a bottlebrush and pointed, aromatic fresh green leaves that are attractive to butterflies and bees. They are short-lived though, and may need replacing every few years, especially after a cold or wet winter. Blue Fortune has loose spires of lilac-blue flowers from July to October and peppermint-scented leaves. This upright, bushy perennial is perfect for the middle of a sheltered, sunny border. Try it as part of a Mediterranean scheme, with grey-leaved plants, or among ornamental grasses.<br><br><li><b>Garden care:</b> Don't cut back the faded flower-stems in until early spring, as they provide interest in the winter months. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.</li></ul><br><br>