Several types of herbs thrive in full to partial shade.
Herbs are known for their culinary, aromatic and/or therapeutic properties. While many well-loved herbs such as basil, oregano and lavender thrive almost solely in full sun, a number of herbs can also be cultivated in shade. For the shadier corners of your garden, consider planting such sun-shy herbs as parsley, lemon balm, anise hyssop and sweet woodruff. Does this Spark an idea?
Parsley
Italian parsley, also known as flatleaf parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a low-growing green herb with a fresh, carrot-like taste and high vitamin content. Often used as a garnish, parsley leaves can also be added to soups and meat dishes. Parsley is a biennial -- a plant that lives for two years. It is among the hardier of herbs, being able to survive light freezes and even some snow. This plant prefers loose, fertile soil bolstered with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. Parsley seeds take three to five weeks to germinate, so start parsley indoors in advance of a spring planting. Seeds can also be soaked overnight before planting to speed up the germination process. After being established in the soil, parsley requires light watering. It thrives in either shade or sun.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm leaves give off a citrus scent when crushed.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb known for its vigorous growth habit. The triangular, serrated leaves of this plant are richly scented with a sweet, citrus-like fragrance. They are used to prepare refreshing hot and iced herbal teas. Lemon balm can grow to 2 feet tall and can take over a garden if unattended. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 5 to 9, and is notoriously tolerant of various soil and light conditions. In late spring or early summer it produces white or light blue blossoms that attract the attention of honeybees. Lemon balm seed may be sown directly into the soil in spring or fall.
Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache rugosa), also known as Korean mint, is a perennial herb indigenous to the mountainous regions of Asia and Russia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to combat viral and fungal infections as well as nausea, vomiting and digestive disorders. Anise hyssop is a rugged plant able to thrive in various conditions. Soil rich in organic matter is preferred. This vigorous herb reaches 20 inches tall, bearing dark green, deeply veined, serrated leaves. Its plume-like clusters of magenta flowers exude a sweet fragrance which entices bees and butterflies.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a creeping, shade-adoring herb native to Europe. When dried, sweet woodruff exudes an aroma similar to that of fresh hay with a hint of vanilla. It is an ingredient in the German wine known as May wine. Sweet woodruff is hardy in growing zones 4 to 9. It grows best in rich, moist soil and produces bright green, lance-like compound leaves on slender, square stems under a foot tall. In May and June, clusters of tiny, snow white, starry flowers emerge.
Tags: also known, Anise hyssop, Lemon balm, organic matter, perennial herb, serrated leaves