19 Perennial Herbs That Grow In Zone 8 - The Garden Magazine (2024)

Growing perennial herbs in Zone 8 offers a rewarding experience for gardeners, as the region’s mild winters and warm summers create a favorable environment for a variety of these versatile plants. From culinary staples like rosemary and thyme to fragrant ornamentals like lavender and medicinal herbs such as echinacea, Zone 8 gardens can accommodate an impressive array of herbs that can enhance both your landscape and your kitchen creations.

Grow these 19 perennial herbs in zone 8

In Zone 8, where the climate is characterized by mild winters and warm summers, a wide variety of perennial herbs can grow and thrive. Some popular options for your Zone 8 garden include:

1. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): These hardy plants produce edible leaves and flowers with a mild onion flavor.
2. Thyme (Thymus spp.): A low-growing, aromatic herb available in many varieties, thyme is often used in cooking and as a ground cover.
3. Sage (Salvia officinalis): This herb produces aromatic leaves that are often used in cooking, especially in poultry and meat dishes.
4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): A popular herb in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, oregano is known for its flavorful leaves.
5. Mint (Mentha spp.): Mint is a fast-growing, aromatic herb that can be used for teas, cooking, and garnishes. Be mindful of its invasive nature, and consider planting it in containers.
6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Known for its beautiful flowers and calming scent, lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
7. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): This member of the mint family has a lemony scent and can be used in teas, salads, and other dishes.
8. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): A hardy perennial with feathery leaves and small, clustered flowers, yarrow has a variety of medicinal uses.
9. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Also known as coneflower, echinacea is a popular medicinal herb used to boost the immune system.
10. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): With its large leaves and bell-shaped flowers, comfrey is often grown as an ornamental plant, but it also has various medicinal and composting applications.
11. Bee balm (Monarda didyma):Bee balm flourishes in zone 8 as a perennial herb, attracting pollinators with its vibrant blooms while providing both ornamental value and medicinal benefits to the garden.
12. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum):Anise hyssop thrives in zone 8 as a perennial herb, producing beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators while offering a delightful licorice-like flavor for culinary and medicinal purposes.
13. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare):In zone 8, fennel can be grown as a perennial herb with proper care, providing a striking architectural presence in the garden and a unique anise-like flavor for culinary use.
14. Catnip (Nepeta cataria):Catnip is a perennial herb that can tolerate the cold temperatures of zone 8.
15. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum):Anise hyssop thrives in zone 8 as a perennial herb, producing beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators while offering a delightful licorice-like flavor for culinary and medicinal purposes.
16. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa):A cold-hardy perennial herb, sorrel can grow successfully in zone 8.
17. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus):Both French and Russian tarragon can grow as perennials in zone 8, with Russian tarragon being more cold-hardy.
18. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This woody, evergreen herb has needle-like leaves and a distinctive aroma. It’s commonly used in cooking and as an ornamental plant.
19. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis): An evergreen shrub with glossy, aromatic leaves, bay laurel is often used in cooking to flavor soups, stews, and sauces.

When selecting plants for your Zone 8 garden, consider factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and water requirements. Consult local gardening resources to find the best-suited plants for your specific area.

Tips for growing herbs in zone 8

Zone 8 is a very mild climate zone making it great for growing a number of perennial herbs. It does encompasses quite a few different climates, so knowing a little more about your rainfall and microclimate helps. Follow these simple tips for growing herbs in zone 8:

1. Choose the right plants: Select herbs that are well-suited for Zone 8, taking into account factors such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and water requirements.
2. Soil preparation: Ensure that your garden soil is well-draining and amended with organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Most herbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
3. Sunlight: Most perennial herbs require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. However, some herbs, such as lemon balm and mint, can tolerate partial shade.
4. Watering: While established perennial herbs are often drought-tolerant, it’s essential to provide consistent moisture during the initial growth phase. Water the plants deeply and consistently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, around the base of your plants to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
6. Pruning and maintenance: Regularly trim and shape your herbs to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Deadhead flowers to promote continuous growth, and remove any dead or diseased plant material to maintain plant health.
7. Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil to manage infestations.
8. Harvesting: Harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried for the best flavor. Be sure not to harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing the plant.
9. Overwintering: Although most perennial herbs in Zone 8 can survive winter conditions, it’s a good idea to provide some protection, such as mulching the plant base with straw or leaves, to help insulate the roots.
10. Companion planting: Plant herbs alongside vegetables or other plants that can benefit from their aromatic properties, which may help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a successful herb garden in zone 8. Remember to choose the right herbs, select a sunny location, prepare the soil, water regularly, fertilize occasionally, mulch, and prune regularly to keep your herbs healthy and productive.