Shortleaf Hedgehyssop Plant Care

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop (Gratiola brevifolia) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Gratiola genus. Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is native to the Southeastern United States. Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is also known as Shortleaf Hedge Hyssop.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop displays a low rosette, spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Shortleaf Hedgehyssop produces small tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Shortleaf Hedgehyssop every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop thrives in partial to full sun.

Gratiola brevifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Shortleaf Hedgehyssop prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Shortleaf Hedgehyssop to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Shortleaf Hedgehyssop every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Shortleaf Hedgehyssop while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gratiola amphiantha plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Shortleaf Hedgehyssop grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Shortleaf Hedgehyssop is native to the Southeastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Shortleaf Hedgehyssop as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.