35 Beautiful Perennial Herbs to Grow and Enjoy Forever
Perennial herbs are a fantastic addition to any garden, offering year-round flavor and beauty with minimal upkeep. Once planted, these hardy herbs return each season, providing fresh ingredients and fragrant foliage.
Their resilience and versatility make them suitable for various climates and garden styles, whether in borders, containers, or dedicated herb beds. Each plant adds its unique aroma and character, enhancing both your cooking and the garden’s aesthetic.
Want to enjoy a lush herb garden with less effort? Discover 35 of the best perennial herbs to plant once and enjoy forever.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a perennial herb known for its nutritional benefits and high protein content.
While often used as livestock feed, it also offers edible germinated seeds that you can incorporate into your meals.
Thriving in rich, well-aerated soil, this herb not only supports healthy gardening but also enhances your culinary adventures with nutritious options.
Planting alfalfa brings lasting rewards to any garden enthusiast looking to diversify their green space and enjoy fresh flavors year after year.
Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is a versatile herb known for its aromatic leaves, which you can use fresh or dried in various dishes.
It brings an unmistakable flavor to soups and stews that elevates any meal.
Caring for bay laurel requires minimal effort; just ensure it has well-draining soil and occasional watering.
Over time, this herb develops into a lovely shrub or small tree, enhancing your garden's beauty while providing culinary delights year-round.
Bergamot
Bergamot is a versatile herb celebrated for its aromatic leaves and distinct flavor.
Often recognized as a key ingredient in tea, this delightful plant also adds zest to salads and beverages, offering an unexpected twist to your culinary creations.
Thriving in fertile soil with consistent moisture, it not only serves practical purposes by deterring pests but also enhances gardens with its exotic appearance.
Catnip
Catnip is a fascinating herb that not only attracts cats but also adds a refreshing mint-like flavor to salads and cooked dishes.
Often overlooked in the culinary world, this plant thrives effortlessly, making it an excellent choice for any garden enthusiast.
As it flourishes, catnip acts as a natural deterrent against ants and flea beetles while providing an eco-friendly insect repellent through its extract.
By inviting this versatile herb into your space, you enhance both your cooking experience and garden health with minimal effort.
Chicory
Chicory is a sun-loving herb that thrives in well-drained soil.
Its compact leaves add a bold flavor to salads, introducing an intriguing bitterness that enhances your dishes.
Beyond the leaves, the root holds culinary potential too; boiled roots can transform into a nutritious vegetable for soups and stews, enriching your meals with depth and character.
Rue
Rue is a perennial herb known for its dual role as both a repellent and an edible plant.
While it effectively keeps pests at bay, moderation is key when consuming this herb due to potential toxicity in larger amounts.
Adding dried rue flowers to lavender sachets creates a natural deterrent against moths, ensuring your clothes remain safe from damage.
When brewed into tea, rue offers an intriguing flavor reminiscent of orange, making it a unique addition to your herbal repertoire.
Tansy
Tansy is a perennial herb known for its striking yellow blooms that resemble small hives, adding vibrant color to your garden.
While it's important to avoid consuming it in large amounts due to potential toxicity, this plant shines as a wildlife attractor and insect repellent—particularly against pesky mosquitos and ticks.
Thriving in well-drained sunny locations, tansy grows rapidly and can quickly fill space with its lush foliage.
Oregano
Oregano is a beloved Mediterranean herb renowned for its ability to enhance summer dishes and Italian cuisine.
Beyond its culinary appeal, this versatile plant also acts as a natural pest deterrent, making it a dual-purpose addition to your garden or pots.
When planting oregano, give it space; roots spread horizontally and thrive best without nearby competition.
While it's adaptable to various soil types, well-drained sandy ground with moderate humidity will yield the healthiest plants.
Lovage
Lovage offers a flavor reminiscent of celery, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
It shines in both stews and as a dried herb, enhancing dishes with its aromatic profile.
Caring for lovage varies based on its environment; provide less water when it's shaded but increase moisture levels if it basks in sunlight.
Cultivating this herb not only enriches your cooking but also adds greenery to your garden all year round.
Clover
Clover is a versatile plant that can elevate your garden and kitchen.
Often chosen over grass for its low upkeep, this herb brings softness to lawns while offering culinary benefits as an alternative to spinach.
Thriving in sunny spots with moderate temperatures, clover adds both visual appeal and flavor to dishes.
Herb Patience
Herb patience offers a delightful alternative to spinach with its mild and flavorful leaves.
Grown effortlessly, this perennial herb plays a vital role in supporting local wildlife, making it an eco-friendly addition to your garden.
With consistent watering and dedicated space, you'll enjoy lush foliage that thrives year after year.
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial herb celebrated for its enchanting purple blooms and aromatic qualities. This versatile plant not only enhances the visual appeal of your garden but also serves as a natural repellent, helping to keep pesky insects at bay.
Its therapeutic properties are well-known, making it popular in both medicinal and cosmetic applications. Additionally, you can explore its culinary potential by incorporating lavender into various dishes or infusions.
Thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil, this herb invites bees to your garden while rewarding you with beauty and utility year after year.
Mint
Mint ranks among the most recognized perennial herbs, celebrated for its soothing properties that are beneficial in various medicinal applications. Growing this herb is a breeze due to its hardy and adaptable nature.
In the kitchen, mint shines in Mediterranean dishes and serves as a refreshing tea option. Thriving best in humid yet well-drained soil, it also tolerates shaded areas well.
With diverse varieties offering unique flavors like lemon, apple, and chocolate alongside classic spear and peppermint options, there's always something new to experience with mint!
Yarrow
Yarrow is a versatile perennial herb celebrated for its medicinal properties.
Brewing tea from its dried leaves can offer numerous health benefits, making it a great addition to your herbal collection.
With minimal care requirements, this hardy plant thrives with occasional watering, ensuring you enjoy its beauty and utility for years to come.
French Tarragon
French tarragon is a perennial herb celebrated for its aromatic leaves, making it an excellent addition to salads, fish dishes, and eggs.
Packed with vitamin C, carotene, and rutin, this herb not only enhances flavors but also contributes nutritional benefits.
Distinct from its Russian counterpart by both texture and fragrance—where the French variety exudes a stronger scent—it's easy to see why gardeners favor it.
Preparing your soil with biofertilizer ensures healthy growth; just till the ground well before planting to get started on your flavorful journey!
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial herb known for its soothing properties, making it popular in natural remedies.
You’ll find that the oil extracted from this plant plays a significant role in creating calming medications.
For optimal growth, it's essential to till the soil deeply—about 25 cm—to ensure healthy roots and robust plants.
Marjoram
Marjoram is an aromatic herb often confused with oregano due to its similar appearance.
This gentle herb enhances dishes when added fresh at the end of cooking, providing a milder flavor profile that complements various cuisines.
Beyond culinary uses, marjoram's oil extract boasts numerous benefits; it finds applications in natural repellents and antibacterial products while also adding a refreshing touch to homemade soaps.
For successful growth, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and calcium for optimal health and vitality.
Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family, known for their distinctive aroma that naturally deters pests.
Both the leaves and roots offer a mild flavor without any bitterness, making them versatile in various dishes.
Their flowers bloom in shades ranging from white to purple, adding visual appeal to your garden.
Thriving in sunny locations, these herbs can withstand dry spells but flourish with consistent watering for optimal growth.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a stunning herb known for its striking flowers that not only beautify gardens but also attract wildlife.
Beyond its visual appeal, this plant holds remarkable medicinal properties cherished in Western herbal practices.
Its ability to boost the immune system and provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits makes it a valuable addition to any garden.
Thriving in various soil types, Echinacea flourishes even more with organic care, allowing you to enjoy both its beauty and health advantages year after year.
Salad Burnet
Salad burnet is a versatile Mediterranean herb that thrives in various environments, making it an excellent addition to your garden. Belonging to the rose family, this plant not only combats erosion but also enhances salads and vinaigrettes with its distinct flavor.
It flourishes in both shady spots and full sunlight, provided the soil maintains a pH of around 6.8. Regularly trimming away dry leaves encourages fresh growth, ensuring you enjoy its benefits season after season without much effort!
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb cherished in kitchens worldwide.
Growing this hardy plant allows you to enjoy its aromatic leaves whenever needed, making it a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
Thriving in sunlight and well-draining soil, rosemary can flourish as an upright shrub or even resemble a small tree over time.
Its ability to attract beneficial insects makes it an excellent companion for vegetables like tomatoes, enhancing both aesthetics and productivity in your garden space.
Garlic Chives
Garlic chives are a versatile herb that adds a mild garlic flavor to your dishes.
These perennial plants thrive in full sun, making them perfect for sunny gardens or patios.
With their attractive green leaves and delicate white flowers, they not only enhance your culinary creations but also beautify the landscape.
Once planted, you can enjoy fresh garlic chives year after year without any fuss—an effortless way to enrich meals with natural flavors!
Meadow Sweet
Meadow sweet is a remarkable herb known for its delicate flower heads and medicinal properties.
Rich in salicylic acid, it plays a vital role in the production of aspirin, offering natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
Enjoy brewing tea from its young leaves, flowers, or roots to experience soothing relief while appreciating its unique flavor profile.
Thriving in moist yet well-drained soil and tolerating shade makes this herb an excellent choice for diverse garden settings.
Willow Herb
Willow herb, often referred to as fireweed, is more than just a common weed; it’s a resilient perennial that deserves a spot in your garden.
When you encounter this plant sprouting naturally, think twice before pulling it out.
The tender young shoots and leaves can be delightful additions to salads, offering an impressive boost of vitamins A and C.
With its vibrant blooms and nutritional benefits, willow herb not only enhances your outdoor space but also enriches your plate with nature's goodness.
Sage
Sage is a versatile perennial herb that thrives in well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for your garden.
Its ability to attract honeybees and other pollinators enhances the biodiversity of any outdoor space while boosting fruit and vegetable yields.
Renowned for its medicinal properties, sage also shines in culinary dishes, adding depth and flavor to various recipes.
Thyme
Thyme is an aromatic herb known for its elongated sprigs, making it perfect for hanging arrangements.
This resilient plant not only beautifies your garden but also attracts helpful insects like hoverflies, enhancing the ecosystem around it.
With diverse flavor profiles and scents available, you can easily select a variety that suits your palate.
Thrive in well-drained soil rich in nutrients with a neutral to alkaline pH, thyme promises both culinary delights and visual appeal throughout the seasons.
Sweet Cicely/ Anise
Sweet cicely, also known as anise, thrives in rich soil and offers more than just medicinal benefits.
Its unique flavor enhances a variety of dishes, whether enjoyed fresh or cooked.
Growing this herb can add depth to your culinary adventures while providing natural remedies right from your garden.
Plucking fresh leaves for salads or using them to elevate savory meals; sweet cicely brings both utility and delight to any kitchen space.
Sorrel
Sorrel thrives in shady corners, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.
With its lush green leaves that pack a citrus punch reminiscent of lemon, this herb can elevate your salads and dishes effortlessly.
Just keep an eye on the quantity used due to its oxalic acid content; moderation is key here.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is an intriguing perennial herb known for its culinary versatility.
The leaves, with their subtle flavor, can enrich fresh salads during warmer months or act as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.
Beyond the leaves, the root has its own charm; when dried and ground into powder, it transforms into that beloved sweet treat we all enjoy.
Winter Savory
Winter savory is a versatile perennial herb known for its dual role in the garden.
Acting as both a natural repellent and an attractor of helpful wildlife, this herb thrives alongside roses and vegetables.
Selecting a sunny location ensures it flourishes, while its adaptable nature allows it to grow in various soil types.
With aromatic leaves perfect for seasoning meals or brewing tea, winter savory adds flavor to your culinary creations while enhancing your garden's ecosystem.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that thrives in well-drained, moist soil and shares its family ties with mint.
This plant not only enhances your garden's beauty but also invites bees with its nectar-rich flowers, promoting pollination.
Growing lemon balm offers you a refreshing addition to teas or culinary dishes while requiring minimal upkeep once established.
Good King Henry
Good King Henry is a versatile perennial herb celebrated for its antibacterial, analgesic, and calming properties.
Thriving in rocky terrains, it often goes unnoticed in gardens where it's mistaken for weeds.
In the kitchen, this herb shines when added to sweet dishes, offering a unique flavor profile that elevates desserts.
Planting Good King Henry not only enriches your garden but also provides you with natural remedies and delightful culinary options year after year.
Parsley (Biennial)
Parsley thrives as a biennial herb, offering years of enjoyment through its self-seeding nature.
Its remarkable adaptability allows it to flourish in both sunny and shaded areas, making it an excellent choice for diverse garden spots.
Many gardeners strategically position parsley alongside tomatoes, carrots, and roses; this not only deters unwanted pests but also invites helpful insects into the mix.
Adding parsley to your garden provides culinary versatility while enhancing the health of neighboring plants.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile stands out as a resilient herb, thriving with minimal effort.
Its reputation in herbal medicine is bolstered by antibacterial and healing attributes that many appreciate.
Beyond its medicinal uses, this herb adds a lovely flavor to various dishes.
Plus, whether alive or dried, it effectively wards off pests while gracing your garden with its delicate blooms.
Hyssop
Hyssop is a versatile herb that not only enhances your garden's biodiversity but also plays a vital role in pest management.
By attracting beneficial insects, it helps keep harmful pests at bay while serving as an effective trap crop for cabbage white butterflies.
Thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil that's neutral to alkaline, hyssop flourishes effortlessly.
In the kitchen, its distinct bitter and gingery flavor adds depth to various dishes, making this herb both functional and flavorful for any culinary adventure you embark on!
