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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.

• Garden care: Don't cut back the faded flower-stems until early spring as  they provide interest in the winter months. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring.