Herbs aren’t just for seasoning—they’re a garden’s way of adding beauty, fragrance, and a touch of magic to your meals. Perennial herbs take it a step further, returning year after year like old friends, ready to enhance your cooking and brighten your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these 32 perennial herbs bring flavor, aroma, and even health benefits to your space. Get ready to plant once and enjoy a garden that keeps on giving—season after season!
1. Lavender
Fragrant and versatile, this herb is beloved in gardens. Lavender, with its iconic purple flowers, doesn’t just look pretty; it offers calming scents that can soothe your soul.
Plant it in well-drained soil and bask in its aromatic glory. Water sparingly, as it thrives in dry conditions, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
2. Thyme
This humble herb packs a punch with its potent aroma. Thyme is a favorite in kitchens, adding a savory touch to dishes.
It enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy-going garden guest. Trim regularly to keep it bushy and full of life, ready to spice up your culinary adventures.
3. Mint
Mint spreads like wild gossip at a garden party. Its refreshing flavor is perfect for drinks, desserts, and more. Plant it in a pot or contained area to keep it from overrunning your garden. Enjoy its invigorating scent and flavor, a perennial party that keeps on giving.
4. Sage
Wise gardeners know the value of this robust herb. Sage, with its earthy aroma, is a staple in many culinary traditions.
It thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil, bringing both beauty and flavor to your garden. Prune after blooming to encourage fresh growth and maintain its vigor.
5. Rosemary
Imagine the Mediterranean in your backyard with this aromatic herb. Rosemary offers spiky leaves that release a pine-like scent.
Grow it in a sunny spot, and it will flourish with minimal care. Ideal for meats and stews, it adds a touch of elegance to your cooking.
6. Oregano
Pizzas and pastas owe much of their flavor to this herb. Oregano, with its robust taste, is a kitchen (and a herb garden) staple.
It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and loves a well-drained soil. A few snips add a Mediterranean flair to your dishes, making it an essential garden resident.
7. Chives
These slender green shoots are a chef’s dream. Chives bring a mild onion flavor to the table, perfect for garnishes.
This herb prefers sunny spots and can be easily snipped for continuous harvest. With charming purple flowers, they add both taste and beauty to your garden.
8. Lemon Balm
Citrusy and refreshing, this herb is a delight for both nose and palate. Lemon balm boasts a lemony scent that uplifts the spirit.
It grows well in rich, moist soil and enjoys a bit of shade. Perfect for teas and desserts, it invites a zesty breeze into your garden haven.
9. Tarragon
French cuisine would be lost without this herb’s unique flavor. Tarragon offers a licorice-like taste that’s hard to replicate.
Plant it in a sunny location, ensuring well-drained soil for optimal growth. Regular pruning encourages a dense, bushy plant, ready to enhance your dishes.
10. Marjoram
A sweeter cousin to oregano, this herb adds a gentle touch to recipes. Marjoram thrives in sunny, dry conditions, making it an easy-to-care-for choice.
The subtle flavor of marjoram complements a variety of dishes without overpowering. Regular harvesting ensures a fresh supply and a lovely aroma.
11. Lovage
Tall and stately, this herb is a culinary powerhouse. Lovage, with its celery-like flavor, enhances soups and stews.
It prefers rich, moist mix and can grow quite large, so give it space. Harvest leaves and stems regularly to keep it productive and packed with flavor.
12. Fennel
An aromatic delight, this plant is as beautiful as it is tasty. Fennel offers a sweet, anise-like flavor that elevates dishes.
Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained growing medium to watch it flourish. Both the bulb and fronds can be harvested, offering versatility in the kitchen.
13. Winter Savory
Peppery and pungent, this herb is a must for hearty dishes. Winter savory is known for its robust flavor, perfect for seasoning.
This herb flourishes in full sun and well-drained potting mix, requiring minimal fuss. Regular trimming ensures a bushy growth, ready to spice up your culinary creations.
14. Hyssop
Pretty and practical, this herb is a colorful garden addition. Hyssop, with its vibrant flowers, attracts pollinators while offering a minty flavor.
Plant it in well-drained soil and bask in its beauty. Use it sparingly in dishes, as its flavor is quite potent.
15. Chervil
Graceful and mild, this herb adds a touch of elegance. Chervil offers a subtle anise flavor, favored in French cooking.
Grow this herb in cool, shaded spots with rich medium and make it a delicate garden guest. Harvest gently to enjoy its parsley-like appearance and flavor in your dishes.
16. Borage
A star in any garden, this herb is both beautiful and useful. Borage boasts striking blue flowers and a cucumber-like taste.
This delicious herb in sunny, well-drained spots and can self-seed, ensuring a continuous supply. Use its leaves and flowers to add a refreshing note to salads and drinks.
17. Lemon Thyme
Zest meets zestiness with this delightful herb. Lemon thyme combines the classic thyme flavor with a citrusy twist.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for a sunny garden spot. Snip regularly to keep it compact and ready to enhance your culinary creations.
18. Bay Laurel
Noble and fragrant, this herb elevates any dish. Bay laurel, with its glossy leaves, brings a distinctive flavor to soups and stews.
Although it is a tree, we still think of it as a herb. Bay laurel prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil and can be grown in pots for easy management. Harvest leaves as needed, allowing them to dry for future use.
19. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet aromas and charming looks make this herb a garden favorite. Sweet woodruff, known for its vanilla-like scent, thrives in shady, moist areas.
We often use it in potpourri and flavored beverages. Plant it to add a touch of enchantment to your garden, both visually and aromatically.
20. Valerian
A peaceful addition to any garden, this herb is known for its calming properties. Valerian, with its pretty pink flowers, prefers sunny, moist conditions.
It’s often used in herbal remedies to promote relaxation and sleep. Harvest roots after two years for medicinal use, appreciating its gentle presence in the garden.
21. Catnip
Feline friends aren’t the only ones who love this herb. Catnip, with its minty aroma, is a joy for both cats and gardeners.
Catnip flourishes in sunny spots with well-drained mediums, blooming with white or lavender flowers. Harvest leaves for teas or let your cats enjoy its playful effects.
22. Lemon Catnip
A twist on a feline favorite, this herb offers more than just fun for cats. Lemon catnip combines the citrusy scent of lemon with traditional catnip aroma.
It thrives in sunny, well-drained spots, attracting both cats and curious gardeners. Harvest leaves for teas or let your feline friends enjoy its lemony allure.
23. Chamomile
Soothing and sweet, this herb is a garden classic. Chamomile, with its daisy-like flowers, is perfect for calming teas.
Delicious chamomile enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, spreading its charm across any garden bed. Harvest flowers regularly to ensure a plentiful supply for relaxation and beauty.
24. Costmary
Often overlooked, this herb brings unique flavor and fragrance. Costmary offers a minty, balsamic scent, used in teas and potpourri.
This unique herb thrives in sunny spots with rich soil, making it an interesting addition to your garden. Harvest leaves for a unique taste experience and aromatic delight.
25. Horseradish
Nothing beats the fiery kick of this robust herb. Horseradish is known for its potent root, used to spice up sauces.
Horseradish grows best in rich, well-drained soil and requires plenty of space to spread. Harvest roots in the fall for a fresh, spicy addition to your culinary repertoire.
26. Sorrell
A tangy twist for your taste buds, this herb is a refreshing garden choice. Sorrel offers lemony leaves that brighten up salads and soups.
This herb prefers moist, fertile soil and can tolerate partial shade, making it versatile. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth and enjoy its zingy flavor.
27. Lemon Verbena
Citrus lovers rejoice with this aromatic herb. Lemon verbena brings a strong lemon scent, perfect for teas and desserts.
This citrusy herb thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil, offering a delightful garden fragrance. Prune regularly to maintain a bushy shape and maximize its aromatic potential.
28. Bergamot
Colorful and aromatic, this herb is a garden jewel. Bergamot, often known as bee balm, attracts pollinators with its vivid blooms.
It prefers sunny locations with well-drained mix, bringing both beauty and utility to your garden. Use its leaves and flowers to add a citrusy touch to teas and potpourri.
29. Sweet Cicely
Sweetness with a hint of anise, this herb is a gardener’s friend. Sweet cicely is known for its delicate flavor, enhancing desserts and drinks.
Grow it in shady, moist areas and the sweet cicely will offer a graceful presence in the garden. Harvest leaves and seeds to enjoy its unique taste and charm.
30. Vietnamese Coriander
Spicy and exotic, this herb is a culinary adventure. Vietnamese coriander brings a peppery kick, essential in Southeast Asian dishes.
It prefers warm, moist conditions and can be grown indoors in cooler climates. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth, making it a vibrant addition to your kitchen garden.
31. Wormwood
Mysterious and intriguing, this herb has a storied history. Wormwood, known for its bitter flavor, is used in traditional herbal remedies.
This plant enjoys dry, well-drained medium, adding a touch of silver to your garden palette. Use with care in small quantities, appreciating its unique qualities.
32. Russian Sage
A touch of elegance, this herb is a gorgeous addition to any garden. Russian sage may not be our first choice of culinary herbs, but its stunning appearance makes up for it.
Herbs like this one thrive in sunny, well-drained areas, adding a splash of color to your herb garden. Regular pruning keeps it vibrant and ready to grace your culinary creations.