Beneficial and beautiful, flowering herb plants are ideal to grow in a small backyard, limited space garden, even in pots for a window edge or a balcony display. With its “double functionality”, you’ll get to enjoy both beauty and flavor.
Many herbs produce cute, decorative flowers. These add floral display at seasonal occasions, and rare ones used as spices or seasonings.
They may not be like cut flowers for table centerpieces, bouquets and gifts. Yet, the stunning view these flowering herb plants present can be eye-catching to both the homeowners and guests.
The flowers are a bonus, but the real benefit is in the leaves and stalks, which are commonly used for cooking and health remedies. In addition to those, they can also serve as natural repellants against mosquitoes and other insects that bring nuisance.
Let’s take a look of the 15 cutest and easy to grow flowering herb plants.
- Top 15 Flowering Herb Plants
- 1. Anise (Perennial, Zones 4 to 9)
- 2. Bee Balm (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
- 3. Chamomile (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
- 4. Chives (Perennial, Zones 3 to 10)
- 5. Dill (Annual, Zones 3 to 11)
- 6. Fennel (Perennial or Annual in Zones 6 to 10, Biennial Zones 2 to 5)
- 7. Echinacea (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
- 8. Garlic (Perennial, Zones 3 to 10)
- 9. Gentian (Perennial or Annual, Zones 3 to 7)
- 10. Greek Oregano (Perennial, Zones 5 to 10)
- 11. Lavender (Perennial, Zones 5 to 9)
- 12. Pineapple Sage (Perennial in Zones 8 to 11; Annual in Zones 1 to 6)
- 13. Rosemary (Perennial Zones 7 to 10; Annual Zones 1 to 6)
- 14. Spearmint (Perennial, Zones 4-11)
- 15. Thai Basil (Annual, Zones 9 to 11)
- Conclusion
Top 15 Flowering Herb Plants
1. Anise (Perennial, Zones 4 to 9)
Anise is an amazing perennial to consider for among the flowering herb plants. This is characterized by upright branching stems that blooms small flowers in white, yellow or rarely purple typically during mid-late summer.
Also known as aniseed, there are two types of anise. Traditional anise produces starry white flowers, while anise hyssop has spikes of purple flowers that resemble lavender.
Both of these are able to attract pollinating bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. The leaves and flowers spread an amazing fragrance, which make this herb a great option for some aromatic spices. On average, this plant grows about 3 feet tall.
2. Bee Balm (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
If you’re aiming to grow something different, bee balm is one of those excellent flowering herb plants. It produces bright red flower in a peculiar puff shape.
Pink and purple bee balms are two other varieties to consider. You can grow all three types together to create a colorful herb garden in your backyard.
Besides producing amazing flowers, this is also edible, often used to flavor pastries, salads and jellies. You may also brew tea from its leaves for some afternoon drink.
As its name suggests, bee balm is very attractive to bees as well as other insects.
3. Chamomile (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
Boasting a daisy-like characteristic, Chamomile presents simple but eye-catching flowers with its white petals and yellow centers. This famous flower is also one of the cutest herbs. Its white color symbolizes purity.
When choosing your plants, be aware that there are two main varieties, the German and the Roman chamomile. Both plants produce similar flowers with the same properties.
The German chamomile grows taller and it is an annual, whereas the Roman chamomile, which is a perennial, makes a groundcover plant.
They also grow well in similar conditions, usually in cooler environments and partial shade. Like many other flowering herbs, this is drought-resistant and doesn’t require too much care.
Chamomile also hosts some benefits for other uses. You can make some teas and produce homemade cosmetics, such as lotion, cream and body spray.
4. Chives (Perennial, Zones 3 to 10)
Somehow similarly to garlic, chives are a part of the Allium family called Amaryllidacea. It’s a beautiful perennial flowering herb that requires a little space.
Its sprouts branched out from the bulbs and it grows up to a foot tall. This thrives in small pots and can be placed in indoors, as long as it’s exposed to the sun. Just be aware that these whimsical flowering herb plants produce seeds that can easily spread and may overgrowth if not regularly managed.
The flowers are small pinkish purple that can decorate some corners of your patio or yard. And once they grow in maturity, you have the pleasure to cut some of the stalks that you can use as flavoring to many dishes.
Mix it with salads or create some dip for raw vegetables. Create edible decorations and beautify your outdoor space year after year.
5. Dill (Annual, Zones 3 to 11)
Used in numerous dishes, dips, and teas, dill is among the flowering herb plants to add to your garden collection. This annual plant produces a cluster of bright yellow flower heads that grow 2 or 3 feet tall.
By midsummer, the blossoms appear atop tall, thin stems with feathery foliage. To ensure a steady supply, sow new seeds each month.
Dill loves the sun so make sure it’s placed in the garden whether in partial or full sun. Besides regular watering, this doesn’t require special maintenance or extra care.
6. Fennel (Perennial or Annual in Zones 6 to 10, Biennial Zones 2 to 5)
If you want to make the most out of your edible and flowering herb plants, fennel is another perfect choice. This produces clusters of small, yellow flowers and leaves that both look similar to dill.
The most beneficial part of this herb is its root or bulb that is used as spices and seasonings. This has numerous beneficial properties.
7. Echinacea (Perennial, Zones 3 to 9)
Also known as coneflower, Echinacea enhances the beauty of any garden with its clumps of sturdy stems consisting of purple petals with orange-brown center. In fact, its flower structure resembles daisies.
If you’re not into purple, you should also know that there’s a wide range of color varieties including white, yellow, and pink. Like most flowering herb plants, this blooms in midsummer and extends until late fall.
This herbal plant loves water and can easily thrive in areas along water. It naturally grows from 3 to 4 feet tall.
Apart from its beautiful flowers, this plant is used as a treatment against cold or flu through teas. Fresh or dried, you can brew any parts of this herb to prepare a cup of tea.
Alternatively, it is also utilized as an ingredient to make skin care products like lotion, cream, ointment that help relieve rashes and other skin conditions.
8. Garlic (Perennial, Zones 3 to 10)
One of the most popular flowering herb plants is garlic. Many dishes include either the bulbs or stalks as spice or seasoning. It has aromatic feature and health benefits.
Like most plants, it produces starry puff, tiny purple flowers. Some varieties are planted exclusively as ornamental plants.
This herb is easy to grow and it doesn’t require a lot of space in the garden. You can plant it using individual cloves broken from the bulb or seeds. And although most gardeners grow garlic as an annual, the plant is actually a perennial and needs minimal maintenance and care.
9. Gentian (Perennial or Annual, Zones 3 to 7)
Gentian is one of those rare edible and flowering herb plants seen in a garden, although a wildflower spread all over the world. Presenting a striking, bright blue flower, this plant looks and tastes amazing.
The trumpet-shaped blooms are simply attractive, and often pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This perennial is ideally used to flavor bitters, liqueurs, and beer, which also offer digestive properties.
Moreover, it comes in hundreds of species from small herbs to trees. It thrives in all conditions. Some varieties adapt to forests, others tolerate desert-like environments.
In other words, you’ll be able to find the right variety to grow in your garden no matter where you live.
10. Greek Oregano (Perennial, Zones 5 to 10)
With a low mounding habit, this fuzzy-leaved herb makes for a good-looking ground cover. Expect clusters of white or pale pinkish flowers that bud out from the thin stems during mid-summer.
It grows in about 1 foot high so it’s ideal to place on edges or small pots and containers. The leaves are popularly used as seasoning in many types of dishes and ingredients for skin care remedies and herbal supplements.
11. Lavender (Perennial, Zones 5 to 9)
While many know lavender produces pretty purple petals, this mint family member is considered as one of the flowering herb plants. Another great feature is its intense fragrance.
Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, and keep annoying mosquitoes at a distance. Overall, a short bed or field of this creates a beautiful, whimsical view with its shrub-like appearance and stunning circular shape.
This plant is among the most renowned flowering herbs, primarily because of its numerous benefits for health and skin care products. Besides flower arrangements, it is used to flavor sauce, cake, and teas, as well as to produce handmade cosmetics, candles, and potpourri.
As a drought-resistant, this plant requires minimal care. It thrives in a ground or a pot, but ensure it is placed in a well-drained soil and in a sunny spot.
12. Pineapple Sage (Perennial in Zones 8 to 11; Annual in Zones 1 to 6)
True to its name, this tender perennial emits a sweet pineapple fragrance. In summer, stalks of vibrant scarlet blooms show off. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Like most flowering herb plants, it is very easy to take care of.
The leaves are steeped to make delicious and healthy teas, but it’s best to use them fresh than dried. The pinkish red flowers have a mint taste, which are often used as garnish for desserts and salads.
Those petals are also used in jellies or jam concoctions and potpourri. Some products for medicinal purposes are also created through this herb as it contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
13. Rosemary (Perennial Zones 7 to 10; Annual Zones 1 to 6)
Rosemary is one of the most flavorful flowering herb plants to use in the kitchen. This evergreen herb has a shrub appearance featuring dark green needle leaves that resemble fir trees.
Blooming in the summer, this perennial has either purple or white flowers that add color to your garden or yard. Like many other herbs, this attracts bees and pollinators, and repels mosquitoes.
While it doesn’t like too cold climates, this can be left outdoors all year long, even in an area with mild winter. But if frost begins, it is suggested to bring the plant inside.
In contrary, it thrives in sunlight. Use well-drained soil and make sure to not overwater if you want to grow a healthy plant. For best results, start with a plant, not seeds.
14. Spearmint (Perennial, Zones 4-11)
This mint family member, and among the common flowering herb plants, flaunts cones of lilac-pink flowers in summer. This can be planted in a pot or a raised bed.
Growing this is similar to many other mint plants, which means it needs well-drained, rich, moist soil. You can sow using seeds or cut plants.
This herb has a pleasant, strong mint scent. It is widely used as a main ingredient in toothpastes, mouthwashes, cosmetics like lip balm, and even health supplements and health related food products.
15. Thai Basil (Annual, Zones 9 to 11)
There are dozens of types of basil that produce beautiful flowers. One of those flowering herb plants is Thai basil. This exotic variety is distinctive with a strong scent of licorice and boasts reddish-purple spiky flowers that bloom in late summer.
Nevertheless, this basil is an amazing plant that can be grown exclusively for decorative purposes, both directly in the garden or in a pot. It needs enough and regular amount of water and lots of sunshine. Make sure you provide plenty of both to ensure its good quality production and better growth.
Conclusion
These flowering herb plants are essential in a couple of ways. While most are used as spices and seasonings, each of these herbs is beneficial for different uses that can be reliable on a regular basis