A Complete A-Z List Of Herb Varieties From Anise To Yarrow

IN THIS usher

This alphabetic crew of herbs is good for the cookery batch , while a thriving herbaceous plant garden is a welcome addition to any home .

Not only does it contribute a generous dollop of verdure and gusto to an outdoor ( or indoor ) display , but it also grow elate fragrance that will vie with and complement one another .

a wooden crate with a huge variety of fresh herbs

“ The immense majority of herbs favour a free - draining soil in a sunny position , ” share Master Horticulturist Peter Lickorish .

“ Soils gamey in nutrients , particularly atomic number 7 , can make leave and stem to become too subdued and therefore also fodder for aphids .

“ For this rationality , few need regularly fertilise .

stem and yellow flowers of agrimony

There’s no acrimony with agrimony

“ If you do n’t have these conditions , herbs such as Levisticum officinale , borage and pulmonaria are better selection , happier with some shade and more or less moister , though not waterlogged , soil .

“ Ginger too will prefer a shaded , moist container which can be brought indoors over winter . ”

This A to zed inclination is a fairly comprehensive round - up of all the major varieties that you may grow in the UK .

slices of aloe vera leaves with ice

A balm for all ills

So without macerate any more thyme ( no-good ) , here is some salvia advice ( and again ! ) regarding the herbs you might wish to admit in your own garden this year .

Agrimony

A member of the rose category , agrimony is a deciduous herbaceous plant which grow up to half a time in top and offers bright xanthous flush in summer .

Aloe vera

Technically a succulent , Aloe verais most commonly have it away for its russet scab - mould leaves .

It ’s also very low - upkeep , making it not bad for beginners – your biggest issue may be overwatering .

Angelica

Characterised by towering stem topped by oversized domes of flowerheads , angelica is greatfor add architectural intrigue to the fundament of your herb garden .

Its stems are most normally glaze for confectionary purposes or flavouring drinks.1Team , G. F. ( 2022 , June 9).Angelica . BBC Good Food.https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/angelica-glossary

Anise

Anise hyssop , sometimes know as Agastache , is another tall perennial herb which carries spire of bright flower which pull bees .

Its most notable feature , however , is undoubtedly the liquorice smell it exudes and the liquorice flavour with which it can interpenetrate afternoon tea , baked goodness and culinary dishes.2Agastache : Fragrant Foliage and Colorful Blooms . ( n.d . ) . Brooklyn Botanic Garden . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/awesome_agastache

Basil

This fragrant herbaceous plant is synonymous with Italian cooking and is popularly used to make pesto , flavour salad or add some oomph to your cooking.3Basil Recipes . ( 2015 , April 26 ) . Great Italian Chefs . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.greatitalianchefs.com/collections/basil-recipes

It is easy to grow here in the UK on a kitchen windowsill and supermarket - bought flora can hold up a long time if watered from the bottom .

Bay Leaf

Sometimes referred to assweet bay , bay laurel plant can dish as the centerpiece ofyour herb gardendue to their larger size and ornamental property .

The evergreen leaves , when dried , are capital for tot richness to the nip of stocks , soup and stews.4How to Cook With Bay Leaves : 17 Recipe Ideas Using Bay Leaves . ( 2021 , August 11 ) . MasterClass . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-bay-leaves-17-recipe-ideas-using-bay-leaves

Borage

The bright risque heyday ofborage plantsmake them an attractive addition to any garden in their own right wing and are so eye - entrance that they ’re often used as a garnish for cocktail and other drinks.5Borage flower & strawberry biff formula . ( 2022 , May 25 ) . Sainsbury ’s Magazine . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/drinks/borage-flower-and-strawberry-punch

The leaves , meanwhile , give off a cucumber - alike coolness which serve as a great improver to salad and dressings .

“ Be indisputable to use the youngest leafage , as the hairs on old leaves make them very pugnacious , ” portion out Peter .

angelica flowering

Angelic in name, angelic in nature

Calendula

Part of the helianthus phratry , calendula are distinctive for their bright orange tree and lily-livered blossoms .

These are exclusively edible and are often used to add colouration to potato or Elmer Leopold Rice lulu , as well as bringing a slightly peppery zing to salad and soups.6Potato Soup with Calendula Garnish . ( n.d . ) . MyDish . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.mydish.co.uk/recipe/2790/potato-soup-with-calendula-garnish

Caraway

Sometimes misguided for a smoke , Carum carviis cultivated in the main for its seed .

With a somewhat aniseed flavour , these are often added to breads , sauces , pickles and sauerkraut , while the roots can also be boil and consumed as well .

Chamomile

The daisy - like blooms of this plant are a distinguish - tale sign that you ’ve picked the correct character for culinary habit , since non - flowering varieties are better suited to creating a odorous lawn than a hot tea or infused sauce.7Chamomile : picture , Flowers , Leaves & Identification . ( n.d . ) . Edible Wild Food . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.ediblewildfood.com/chamomile.aspx

extremely fragrant , it should only be used in minor amount .

Chervil

This biennial herbaceous plant is grown mostly for its redolent leaves , harvest in the first year of growth .

When used befittingly in salad , potato or egg dish antenna , they give off a mild aniseed flavour.8Fearnley - Whittingstall , H. ( 2019 , July 9).The happy herbaceous plant . The Guardian . retrieve March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jun/06/hugh-fearnley-whittingstall-chervil

Chives

When fine chopped and worked into salad , magnetic dip or Quiche , Allium schoenoprasum add a delightful zing that ’s especially complimentary to orchis , potato and cheese dishes.9The Best Way to expend Chives , From soup to Vegetables to Main Dishes . ( 2013 , April 18 ) . Bon Appétit . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/the-best-way-to-use-chives-from-soups-to-vegetables-to-main-dishes

Although it ’s the leaves which take most of the glare , the pink blossoms which top chive plants are a sight to lay eyes on and an edible increase to your scale , as well .

Comfrey

The delicately flow foliage ofa comfrey plantmake it a pleasing increase to a herb garden , but it ’s more famous for its use as a instinctive fertilizer .

It can be originate and processed into comfrey tea , an constitutive liquid state fertilizer that can be used across your garden .

Coriander

Coriandercommands something of a lovemaking - it - or - hate - it reputation in culinary circles .

Perception of the flavours varies from person to soul .

A native of the East , it ’s often used in Asiatic cuisine and both the seeds and the leave are edible but individual in their properties.10Parsons , R. ( 2015 , February 20).5 Quick Ways to Spice Up Your recipe Using Coriander . One Green Planet . think March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/coriander-spiced-recipes/

upright purple flowers of anise

Anyone for liquorice?

The former add a lemony zest , while the latter penetrate a slenderly blistering , virulent flavour to the dishes to which they are bestow .

Dill

This bombastic herb carries sprays of yellow flowers and strong - taste ferny leaves that are a mutual gain to salads , soup or flavoured Elmer Leopold Rice .

The leaves can be used fresh , dried or frozen , while the seeds are often an ingredient in curry powders .

Elderflower

Found all over the UK , elderflower is as unfussy as it gets when it occur to grow precondition .

Although the fruit steal most of the headlines , its flowers are also worthy of a acknowledgment pass on their ability to tincture cordials , syrups , tea , wines and champagnes with an exquisite taste.11How to Cook With Elderflower . ( 2021 , July 16 ) . Great British Chefs . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.greatbritishchefs.com/how-to-cook/how-to-cook-with-elderflower

Fennel

Like dill weed , fennel plants are characterised by sprig of vivid yellow-bellied bloom in the summer .

All parts of the plant are edible and contribute a faint aniseed relish to the salads or other dishes to which they are added .

It ’s particularly complimentary when combine with fish.12Waitrose Limited . ( n.d.).Fish and finocchio traybake . Waitrose . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/f/fish-and-fennel-traybake.html

basil leaves

One of the big hitters of the herb world

Fenugreek

The kickshaw leave and delicate whitened blossoms of Trigonella foenumgraecum are moderately enough in their own rightfulness , but the seed are the principal attraction from a culinary perspective .

It can sum up a maple sirup - mode sweetness to sure dish , though sample bitter on their own.139 Ways to utilise Fenugreek Seeds : How to prepare With Fenugreek . ( 2021 , September 29 ) . MasterClass . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cook-with-fenugreek

Garlic

It ’s not one of the most wide used herbs for nothing !

Garlic is greatfor adding flavour to all kind of knockout , while the plant is easy enough to school , as well .

Trim back green leaves to use in salads , pesto or as a garnish , but wait until they turn chickenhearted to labour up the bulb underground .

bay leaf tree

Ornamental, aromatic and appetising

Ginger

Due to its exotic origins , gingerdoesn’t take kindly to Robert Frost , so constitute it in the early spring and take tending to pamper it as best you could .

Do so , though , and you ’ll be honour with delightful rhizomes that add a fiery gripe and a shiver of flavour to curries and excite - fries .

Ginkgo

A indigene of China , this ancient Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has made a successful transition to UK clime and offers an attractive option with exquisitely form leaf that wo n’t fox heavy shade .

It will uprise to a orotund size , though , so it ’s not idealistic for small gardens.14Ginkgo Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree on the Tree Guide . ( n.d . ) . Arborday.org . retrieve March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=1092

“ I have one tree that I absolutely adore , which is the ginkgo tree diagram , ” share Horticulturist Doug Stewart .

several blue borage flowers

Cool as a cucumber

“ The thing I fuck about it is that it does n’t fit into any classifications because it is a multitude of things . I bonk that it ca n’t be compartmentalised . ”

Ginseng

Ginseng also hail from the Far East , though it bask a more nervous family relationship with the British season and will appreciate being get indoors .

Horseradish

Do n’t be fooled by the beautiful lily-white flowers and innocuous - look leaves – the roots of horseradish plant gestate quite a punch .

commonly grate into coleslaw or used in sauces to accompany roast beef , horseradish root is an acute ingredient , while the plant itself is also very fast - spreading , imply it ’s better control in pots .

Lemongrass

Another loyalist of Asian ( and peculiarly Thai ) cuisine , lemon grass is develop for the fragrant al-Qaeda of its edible stems.15Parks , S. ( 2021 , March 23).How to Use Lemongrass . Bon Appétit . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bonappetit.com/story/lemongrass

It ’s not peachy on frosts either , so it ’s a good musical theme to cultivate it in a container that can be easy run indoors during the colder calendar month .

Linseed

Also known as flax , flaxseed is a popular alternative to rapeseed for producing oils.16Growing Linseed . ( n.d . ) . The Linseed Farm . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.thelinseedfarm.co.uk/growing-linseed-flaxseed

Use achromatic , well - drain but moisture - retentive territory for the best result when growing .

Lovage

Lovage has so many strings to its stem .

Think of celery , and you’re able to appreciate the flavour and show of the plant .

refreshful leaves are a corking herbal addition to salad , soups and stews , while dry out ones make a delicious tea.17Johnson , J. ( 2018 , July 9).Little - Known Ways To apply Lovage . Herbal Academy . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://theherbalacademy.com/little-known-ways-use-lovage/

bright orange and yellow calendula flowers with green foliage in the background

Kith and kin with sunflowers and marigolds

Its stems can be sugarcoat like angelica , its shoot can be blanched and its ascendent are edible too .

What ’s not to love ?

Lungwort

A extremity of the borage folk , lungwort is tight aligned with tailwort and comfrey , among others .

It has interesting , variegated parting and lilac colored flowers that blossom from give into summertime .

Marjoram

Marjoram is often confused with oregano , and although the two are similar in appearance , they ’re used differently in the kitchen .

Whereas oregano leave are more often than not dry out , marjoram foliage and bloom are more commonly used fresh as a late addition to stuffings , soup and sauces.18What Is Marjoram?(2021 , August 5 ) . MasterClass . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-marjoram-learn-how-to-cook-with-marjoram-plus-7-marjoram-recipes

Oregano

As cite above , the strong - taste ( and stronger smelling!)leaves of oreganoare generally dry out before employment .

They ferment specially well when unite with ingredients such as garlic , onions and chilli , though they ’re versatile enough to be put to a variety of unlike applications .

Parsley

Parsleycomes in two distinct varieties – curly - leaf or straight - leaf .

While the former does look more attractive as a garnish , it ’s the latter that carries the stronger smack and form a crucial ingredient of many dish and dip , including tabbouleh and salsa verde.19Parsley . ( 2022 , November 29 ) . BBC Good Food . find March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/parsley-glossary

Peppermint

First grown as a hybrid between Mentha spicata and watermint , peppermint has follow into its own over the last few one C .

It ’s probably most wide make out and used as peppermint gum tea.20peppermint tea . ( n.d . ) . teapigs.co.uk . retrieve March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.teapigs.co.uk/products/peppermint-tea

Rosemary

With evergreen plant foliage that can clear up your herb garden during winter and flower which will delight pollinator in summer , rosemary is an aesthetically strong choicefor an outdoor display .

It also releases an lift up fragrance and , when picked , dry out and added to dishes like joint lamb , makes an fantabulous culinary herb , too.21Rosemary . ( 2022 , June 10 ) . BBC Good Food . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/rosemary-glossary

Sage

There are hundreds of differentvarieties of sageto choose from , all of which will add enhancive time value to an ornamental border .

Maximise their smell by pluck them in the good morning , when the leaves are moist and hydrous .

Sorrel

Sorrel is a leafy greenwhich serves as an ideal option to prickly-seeded spinach .

When picked young , its leafage will bring a zesty zing to salads and other dish , while mature foliage will reduce importantly when saute , boiled or roasted , so be sure to give yourself a generous serving.22What Is Sorrel And How Do I make With it?(2017 , May 2 ) . Food Republic . recover March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.foodrepublic.com/2025-03-29/what-is-sorrel-and-how-do-i-cook-with-it/

It is also a good selection for a variety of sauces .

white caraway umbels

It’s all in the seeds

St John’s Wort

St John ’s wortis capable of propagating so rapidly that it ’s consider a dope by some .

In fact , it ’s so commonplace around the world that it ’s not even have sex where it originated in the first place!23St . John ’s Wort . ( 2021 , December 9 ) . HerbaZest . retrieve March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.herbazest.com/herbs/st-john’s-wort

Tansy

The release - like blooms of tansy , with their typical yellowish colouring and bobbing structure , are what first draws the eye of this redolent industrial plant .

Tarragon

There aretwo kind of tarragon : French and Russianin the genusArtemisia .

It is , however , trickier to cultivate and bring to heyday , so it ’s usually more convenient to attempt a film editing than to grow from seed .

Its leaves are great in salads , meat dishes , infuse wine-colored and buttery sauces.25Hard , L. ( 2020 , November 17).Fresh Tarragon and Its 9 Best Uses . Food52 . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://food52.com/blog/12703-fresh-tarragon-and-its-5-best-uses

daisy-like chamomile flowers

Packs a powerful punch

Thyme

With a report 300 mixture to choose from , nurseryman are corrupt for choice when it comes toincorporating thymeinto their herbaceous plant video display – especially since many of those have vivacious prime in summer.26Kellogggarden . ( 2021 , January 7).Thyme Varieties . Kellogg Garden Organics . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://kellogggarden.com/blog/gardening/thyme-varieties/

It ’s a great addition to soup and scarf out admixture .

Turmeric

Turmeric is great for adding color and flavour to rich , savoury dishes like curries , soups and stews .

However , it ’s used in southeast Asian climes , which means it is not reliably hardy .

For that reason , it ’s best to work it indoors , use a south - facing window or grow lightness to keep its Lord’s Day pic up and irrigate regularly .

green chervil leaves

Cheap and chervil

Valerian

Capable of growing up to 1.5 m in height , valerian is another strong choicefor the rear of a flower seam or herb garden .

Its pinkish or white clustering of flowers are a sight for afflictive eyes come summertime , while its sweetness is often get for usance in perfumes.27Valerian scent . ( n.d . ) . Fragrantica . Retrieved March 16 , 2023 , fromhttps://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Valerian-582.html