Lesser-Known Herbs That Deserve a Spot in Your Garden

While popular herbs like basil and parsley have their place, there’s a whole world of lesser-known herbs waiting to be discovered. These underappreciated plants offer unique flavors, medicinal benefits, and unexpected beauty that can elevate both your garden and your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, adding a few of these hidden gems can bring new life to your herb collection.

1. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a fragrant, lemon-scented herb in the mint family that grows easily and spreads quickly. It prefers partial sun and rich, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of conditions. The leaves can be used fresh in teas, fruit salads, or desserts and are valued for their calming properties.

2. Lovage

Lovage has a bold, celery-like flavor and can be used in place of celery leaves or stalks in soups and stocks. This tall perennial thrives in cooler climates with fertile soil and regular moisture. Both the leaves and seeds are edible, and the hollow stems can even be used as natural straws for savory drinks.

3. Anise hyssop

Anise hyssop combines ornamental appeal with herbal benefits, offering spikes of purple flowers and a sweet licorice-like taste. It grows best in full sun with moderate watering and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The leaves are excellent in teas, while the flowers can be used as edible garnishes.

4. Salad burnet

Salad burnet offers a light, cucumber-like flavor that works well in green salads, egg dishes, or chilled beverages. It is a low-maintenance perennial that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This herb forms attractive clumps and makes a great edging plant in herb gardens.

5. Vietnamese coriander

Vietnamese coriander is a warm-weather herb often used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a substitute for cilantro. Unlike traditional cilantro, it thrives in high heat and humidity, making it a great addition to southern gardens or indoor pots. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest leaves regularly for fresh flavor.

6. Epazote

Epazote has a bold, pungent flavor that is traditionally used in Mexican bean dishes. It not only adds a distinct taste but is also known for reducing the digestive discomfort associated with legumes. This herb prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it should be used in moderation due to its strong profile.

7. Shiso

Shiso is a vibrant herb with serrated leaves that come in green or deep red varieties. It offers a complex flavor with hints of basil, mint, and anise, making it popular in Japanese and Korean dishes. Shiso grows well in full sun to light shade and can be harvested continuously throughout the season.

8. Borage

Borage is both beautiful and useful, known for its bright blue, star-shaped flowers and cucumber-flavored leaves. It grows easily in poor soil, self-seeds generously, and attracts pollinators to the garden. The flowers can be used fresh in salads or frozen in ice cubes for decorative drinks.

Conclusion

Lesser-known herbs can be just as rewarding as their more common counterparts, offering flavor, fragrance, and personality to your garden space. Many are easy to grow and bring added variety to your meals and garden design. Start with one or two, and you might just find a new favorite that becomes a permanent part of your planting routine.