24 Perennial Herbs That Will Come Back Every Year

Embarking on the journey of herb gardening is an endeavor that brings both joy and satisfaction to green thumbs and culinary enthusiasts alike. While annual herbs offer immediate gratification, there’s something truly magical about the steadfast nature of perennial herbs. These resilient plants, which graciously return year after year, hold the power to transform a simple garden into a thriving oasis of flavors, fragrances, and textures.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the captivating world of perennial herbs, uncovering the secrets to successfully cultivating these steadfast botanical companions. Whether you are an experienced gardener seeking to expand your herb collection or a novice explorer ready to embrace the wonders of nature’s perennial bounty, this article will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to create a vibrant and sustainable herb garden.

25 perennial herbs that will keep growing back every year

Imagine stepping into your garden year after year, greeted by a delightful display of vibrant and fragrant herbs, faithfully returning to grace your senses and elevate your culinary creations. The allure of perennial herbs lies in their ability to bestow an enduring presence, offering an evergreen tapestry that evolves with each passing season.

In this section, we will explore a curated selection of 25 remarkable perennial herbs, each endowed with the remarkable power to return year after year, enriching our gardens and our lives.

1. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This aromatic herb loves full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for Mediterranean-inspired gardens.
2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme thrives in sunny spots and requires little maintenance, making it a versatile and low-maintenance herb for culinary use.
3. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun, offering a beautiful display of gray-green leaves and a savory flavor.
4. Mint (Mentha): Mint is a vigorous grower that benefits from partial shade and moist soil, making it a popular choice for refreshing teas and culinary creations.
5. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Oregano is a hardy herb that enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, providing a flavorful addition to Italian dishes and pizzas.
6. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Chives are easy to grow and require moderate sunlight, making them a versatile herb that adds a mild onion-like flavor to various dishes.
7. Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, offering fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators and add a calming scent to gardens.
8. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm prefers partial shade and moist soil, featuring a pleasant lemony aroma that works well in teas and desserts.
9. Marjoram (Origanum majorana): Marjoram enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, providing a delicate and sweet flavor to soups, stews, and meat dishes.
10. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): Tarragon requires full sun and well-drained soil, offering a distinctive anise-like flavor that complements poultry and fish.
11. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): Sorrel prefers partial shade and moist soil, producing tangy leaves that add a lemony taste to salads and sauces.
12. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, showcasing feathery foliage and a mild licorice flavor that enhances salads and seafood.
13. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora): Lemon verbena requires full sun and well-drained soil, providing a strong lemon scent that infuses beautifully into teas and desserts.
14. Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens): Wintergreen thrives in partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil, offering aromatic leaves with a minty flavor often used in candies and teas.
15. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus): Lemongrass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, imparting a citrusy flavor and aroma to soups, curries, and teas.
16. Dill (Anethum graveolens): Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil, producing feathery leaves and seeds that add a fresh, tangy flavor to pickles, fish, and salads.
17. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Cilantro enjoys partial shade to prevent bolting and moist, well-drained soil, providing pungent leaves and seeds used in various cuisines.
18. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Parsley grows well in partial shade and moist soil, offering curly or flat leaves that add a fresh, herbal taste to dishes and garnishes.
19. Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana): Stevia requires full sun and well-drained soil, providing intensely sweet leaves that can be used as a natural sugar substitute.
20. Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Lovage prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil, showcasing large leaves with a flavor reminiscent of celery, ideal for soups and stews.
21. Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Catnip thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting cats with its aromatic leaves and producing calming teas for humans.
22. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile enjoys full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, producing delicate white flowers used for soothing teas and herbal remedies.
23. Greek oregano (Origanum heracleoticum): Greek oregano prefers full sun and well-drained soil, offering a robust and pungent flavor, perfect for Greek and Mediterranean cuisines.
24. Borage (Borago officinalis): Borage enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, showcasing beautiful blue flowers and leaves with a mild cucumber flavor, ideal for garnishing salads and drinks.

Remember to consider your specific climate and growing conditions to ensure the success of these perennial herbs in your garden.

Herb Growing Tips

Unlocking the secrets to successfully growing perennial herbs is a rewarding endeavor for gardeners and herb enthusiasts alike. These steadfast botanical treasures not only provide an abundant supply of flavors, aromas, and textures but also bring a sense of timelessness to our gardens year after year. In this section, we will delve into a compilation of invaluable tips and techniques to help you cultivate your perennial herb garden with confidence and achieve optimal growth and vitality.

1. Know your growing zone! Not every perennial herb will be hardy in every growing zone. If you live in a very warm or very cold zone, some just won’t grow. Refer to our directory of perennial herbs that are hardy to different zones.
2. Choose the right location: Most perennial herbs thrive in full sun, so select a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
3. Prepare the soil: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve its fertility, drainage, and moisture-retention capabilities. This will provide a nourishing environment for your herbs to flourish.
4. Adequate spacing: Give your perennial herbs enough space to grow and spread. Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each herb to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to poor airflow and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
5. Watering: Perennial herbs generally prefer slightly moist soil. Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. This encourages the development of deep roots and prevents overwatering issues.
6. Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your perennial herbs to help conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Avoid mulching too close to the stems to prevent stem rot.
7. Pruning and harvesting: Regularly prune your perennial herbs to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and prevent them from becoming woody. Harvest the leaves frequently to promote fresh growth and ensure the best flavor.
8. Fertilization: Most perennial herbs do not require excessive fertilization. A light application of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer is generally sufficient. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth with diminished flavor.
9. Pests and diseases: Monitor your herbs for signs of pests such as aphids, mites, or caterpillars. Regularly inspect the leaves and take appropriate measures, such as organic insecticidal soap or companion planting with pest-repelling plants. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
10. Winter care: Understand the winter hardiness of your perennial herbs. Some may require protection, especially in colder regions. Mulch around the base of the plants or consider providing a temporary cover to shield them from harsh winter conditions.
11. Dividing and propagating: Perennial herbs benefit from periodic division to rejuvenate their growth. Divide crowded clumps every few years to maintain plant health. Additionally, explore propagation techniques such as seed sowing or taking stem cuttings to expand your herb garden.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving and bountiful perennial herb garden that brings you joy, flavor, and aromatic delight year after year. Happy herb gardening!