Tired of your herb garden fading with the seasons? Try perennial herbs! These herbs not only endure throughout the years, they transform your garden into a fragrant, edible landscape that keeps on giving.
From the classic to the unexpected, these perennial herbs will bring life and zest to your kitchen and your yard.
1. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil moist but well-drained.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is best, but tolerates partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer, with pretty purple flowers.
- US Zones: 3-9
Chives are a kitchen staple, adding mild onion flavor to dishes. Their flowers are also edible and make a pretty garnish.
2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Thyme prefers drier conditions.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal.
- Maximum Matured Height: 6-12 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with tiny pink or purple flowers.
- US Zones: 5-9
Thyme comes in many varieties, each with a unique flavor profile. It’s a must-have for any herb garden.
3. Mint (Mentha spp.)
- Water Requirement: Moderate to high. Mint likes consistently moist soil.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: Varies by variety, but most stay under 2 feet.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with small purple, pink, or white flowers.
- US Zones: 3-11
Mint is vigorous and spreads quickly, so it’s best to plant it in a container or give it plenty of space. It’s great for teas, cocktails, and desserts.
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4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is preferred.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-24 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators.
- US Zones: 4-9
Oregano is an essential herb for Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also lovely in flower arrangements.
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Sage is drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is ideal.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-24 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with purple, blue, or white flowers.
- US Zones: 5-9
Sage has a strong, earthy flavor and is used in both cooking and medicinal remedies. It’s also a beautiful ornamental plant.
6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Lavender prefers drier conditions.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is best.
- Maximum Matured Height: Varies by variety, but many stay under 2 feet.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers.
- US Zones: 5-9
Lavender is prized for its calming aroma and beautiful flowers. It’s used in potpourri, aromatherapy, and even cooking.
7. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is best.
- Maximum Matured Height: Varies by variety, but most stay under 2 feet.
- Bloom Time: Spring and summer, with small blue flowers.
- US Zones: 7-10
Rosemary has a pungent, piney flavor and is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also used in aromatherapy and as an ornamental plant.
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8. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-24 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with small white or pale yellow flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
Lemon balm has a lemony scent and flavor, and it’s used in teas, salads, and desserts. It’s also said to have calming properties.
9. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil moist but well-drained.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is best, but tolerates partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with small white or pink flowers.
- US Zones: 5-9
Marjoram is a sweeter, milder relative of oregano, perfect for poultry, stuffing, and tomato sauces.
10. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 18-24 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with showy blue, pink, or white flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
Hyssop has a minty, slightly bitter flavor and is used in teas, liqueurs, and savory dishes. The flowers are also edible.
11. French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-24 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with small greenish-yellow flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
French tarragon has a licorice-like flavor and is a key ingredient in béarnaise sauce and other French dishes.
12. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 24-36 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with white or lavender flowers.
- US Zones: 3-9
Catnip is famous for its effect on cats, but it also makes a tasty tea and can be used in cooking.
13. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 4-6 feet.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with yellow flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
Lovage has a celery-like flavor and can be used in soups, stews, and salads. It’s a tall plant, so give it plenty of space.
14. Winter Savory (Satureja montana)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with pink or white flowers.
- US Zones: 5-9
Winter savory has a peppery flavor and is used in bean dishes, sausages, and stuffings.
15. Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with reddish-purple flowers.
- US Zones: 4-8
Salad burnet has a cucumber-like flavor and is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and drinks.
16. Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Water Requirement: Moderate to high. Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 2-4 feet, depending on variety.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with showy red, pink, purple, or white flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
Bee balm is a favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its leaves can be used for tea, and the flowers are edible.
17. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 1-3 feet, depending on variety.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with flat-topped clusters of white, yellow, pink, or red flowers.
- US Zones: 3-9
Yarrow has feathery foliage and a long history of medicinal use. It’s also a beautiful addition to the landscape.
18. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Tolerates some drought.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 6-12 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with daisy-like white flowers.
- US Zones: 4-9
Roman chamomile is known for its calming and soothing properties. The flowers are used to make tea.
19. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil moist but well-drained.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 2-3 feet.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with tall spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers.
- US Zones: 4-10
Anise hyssop has licorice-scented leaves and attracts pollinators with its long-lasting blooms.
20. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil consistently moist.
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 6-12 inches.
- Bloom Time: Spring, with small white flowers.
- US Zones: 4-8
Sweet woodruff has a sweet, hay-like scent when dried and is used in potpourri and May wine.
21. Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
- Water Requirement: Moderate. Keep soil moist but well-drained.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall, with white star-shaped flowers.
- US Zones: 3-9
Garlic chives have a mild garlic flavor and are used in a variety of dishes. The flowers are also edible.
22. Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)
- Water Requirement: Low to moderate. Drought-tolerant once established.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
- Maximum Matured Height: 12-18 inches.
- Bloom Time: Summer, with magenta-pink flowers.
- US Zones: 3-8
Bloody cranesbill is a low-growing perennial with attractive foliage and flowers. It’s often used as a ground cover.
These easy-to-grow plants not only elevate your culinary creations but also bring beauty and life to your outdoor space. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy the rewards of these perennial herbs from season to season.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.