Purple Giant Hyssop is a great pollinator plant to have in the garden because the flowers open gradually over a period of several weeks. 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 (Prairie Moon) and it is recommended as a preferred pollinator plant by the Xerces Society (Xerces.org). Some birds also feed on the seeds that follow. This plant creates a lot of seeds, so if you prefer not to have babies, deadhead the spent flowers before they release their seeds. Purple Giant Hyssop is listed as a species of concern in Michigan (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/).
Purple Giant Hyssop is a great pollinator plant to have in the garden because the flowers open gradually over a period of several weeks. 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 (Prairie Moon) and it is recommended as a preferred pollinator plant by the Xerces Society (Xerces.org). Some birds also feed on the seeds that follow. This plant creates a lot of seeds, so if you prefer not to have babies, deadhead the spent flowers before they release their seeds. Purple Giant Hyssop is listed as a species of concern in Michigan (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/).
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial sun
Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry
Height: 4-6 feet
Plant Spacing: 1.5-2 feet
Bloom Time: July-October
Bloom Color: Purple
Advantages: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant
Host Plant: 2 butterflies and moths in our area (nwf.org)
Species of Concern: State Status: Special Concern; rare or uncertain; not legally protected (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/).
