Growing herbs in your garden doesn’t just have to be about cooking, spices or medicinal uses. Many of these practical plants can also be quite beautiful and showy. Many flowering herbs sport gorgeous blooms that can add variation and color to your herb garden. Blooming herbs come in many shapes, sizes, and shades and brighten any yard.
Take a look at some of these blooming herb choices, and add a few to your yard or garden. Even if you don’t cook with them, you’ll love the way they look.
Don’t miss our complete list of herbs from A to Z.
Gorgeous Purple Blooming Herbs
Lavender
Probably the most well-known of all herbs with beautiful blooms is lavender. The most popular version of this shrub-like herb boasts spikes of deep purple flowers; however, colors of other varieties can range from white to pink to deep blue hues.
Lavender is hardy and drought-resistant once established. It does well in a garden or container and makes a great pop of color in a flowerbed. Its shrub-like shape also lends well to small borders or hedges. Lavender plants prefer well-draining soil and full sun.
Known for its fragrance, lavender produces blooms that can be dried and used in flower arrangements, perfumes, soaps, lotions, candles, potpourri, beverages, and sauces. The perennial blossoms throughout the summer, and faded flowers can be trimmed to encourage further blooming.
| Category | Lavender (Lavandula spp.) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Lavender |
| Botanical Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Flower Color | Purple, blue, pink, white |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, sandy, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate, drought-tolerant |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Mature Height | 1-3 feet (varies by species) |
| Mature Width | 1-3 feet (varies by species) |
| Hardiness Zone | 5-9 (varies by species) |
| Propagation Method | Seeds, cuttings, division |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to moderate |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Culinary Use | Edible flowers, leaves (for tea) |
| Medicinal Use | Anxiety, insomnia, skin care |
| Aromatic Properties | Fragrant foliage, flowers |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate to high |
Rosemary
Rosemary is a shrub-like evergreen that consists of dark green needle-like leaves that resemble fir or spruce trees. In the summer, the rosemary plant blooms with small white or purple flowers that add bright pops of color to the green of the bush.
Though it is a perennial, rosemary does not do well outdoors in the winter. Plants should be brought inside before the first winter frost. For this reason, rosemary thrives best in containers so it is not being constantly uprooted when the time comes to move indoors.
Once inside, the rosemary will do best in a sunny, cool spot. Rosemary has a tendency to dry out, so keep it away from vents and heaters that could further dry out the plant.
Rosemary is widely used in cooking. The leaves can be stripped from the branches to add to marinades, sauces, and seasoning blends. The leaves can also be dried and stored, frozen in water, or infused into oil for later use.
Please note that some chart information may vary depending on the specific Rosemary species or cultivar.
| Category | Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Rosemary |
| Botanical Name | Rosmarinus officinalis |
| Flower Color | Blue, purple, white, pink |
| Bloom Time | Spring to summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, sandy, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate, drought-tolerant |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Mature Height | 2-6 feet |
| Mature Width | 2-4 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 7-10 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings, seeds (less common) |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Culinary Use | Leaves, sprigs |
| Medicinal Use | Memory, digestion, circulation |
| Aromatic Properties | Fragrant foliage |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate to high |
Chives
Chives grow similar to other members of the allium family, such as onions and garlic. Sprouting in bunches from bulbs, this herb can grow to be a foot tall. In summer chives sprout round, pinkish-purple blooms. The flowers of chive plants look whimsically like small puffballs of purple fuzz.
The perennial will do well indoors or out as long as plants get full sun. Be aware that chives can spread and take over a garden if the flowers are not removed from the plants before they fade and fall off allowing them to seed. That should be no problem, however, because chives are delicious and grow and taste best when cut for use throughout the season. They can be used in salads, dips , cheeses, and to flavor many other dishes. The flowers can even be used as an edible decoration.
Some information in this chart could vary depending on the specific Chives species or cultivar.
| Category | Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Chives |
| Botanical Name | Allium schoenoprasum |
| Flower Color | Purple, pink |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, fertile, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Clump-forming, grass-like |
| Mature Height | 1-1.5 feet |
| Mature Width | 0.5-1 foot |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Propagation Method | Division, seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Culinary Use | Leaves (fresh or dried) |
| Medicinal Use | Mild digestive aid, anti-inflammatory |
| Aromatic Properties | Mild onion scent |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
Catmint
Catmint is another herb variety with bluish-purple blooms. The flowers grow throughout summer and can be cut back to encourage further blossoming.
Though catmint does not have culinary or medicinal uses, the blooms can be trimmed and added to flower arrangements for their pretty purple color. This herb makes a great addition to any garden. It does well as a border plant in well-draining areas, and much as its name suggests, it may attract a few new feline friends to your garden.
Some information in the chart may vary depending on the specific Catmint species or cultivar.
| Category | Catmint (Nepeta spp.) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Catmint |
| Botanical Name | Nepeta spp. |
| Flower Color | Lavender, blue, white |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, light, sandy |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Mounding, spreading |
| Mature Height | 1-3 feet |
| Mature Width | 1.5-2.5 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings, division, seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
| Culinary Use | None |
| Medicinal Use | Mild sedative, antispasmodic |
| Aromatic Properties | Minty, herbaceous |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
Spearmint
Spearmint boasts spikes of light purple, nearly lilac-colored, flowers in the summer. These spikes of flowers can grow to four inches long and are beautiful in combination with the bright green leaves of the mint plant.
Spearmint does well in partially draining to well-draining soil. Once established, spearmint is invasive and very quick to spread and take over a garden. Because of this tendency, many gardeners suggest growing it in hanging baskets or containers. It is possible to keep control of spearmint out in the garden, but it requires constant vigilance to keep the persistent plant from taking over. Spearmint leaves can be dried and used in teas and other recipes.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics in the chart may vary depending on the particular Spearmint variety or cultivar.
| Category | Spearmint (Mentha spicata) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Spearmint |
| Botanical Name | Mentha spicata |
| Flower Color | Pink, lavender, white |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Rich, well-draining, moist |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Spreading, invasive |
| Mature Height | 1-3 feet |
| Mature Width | 1-2 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-11 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings, division, seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Culinary Use | Beverages, desserts, sauces |
| Medicinal Use | Digestive aid, antispasmodic |
| Aromatic Properties | Minty, fresh |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Low |
Striking Red and Yellow Flowering Herbs
Herbs with bright blooms not only add color to your landscape but can help attract pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The presence of these creatures to help pollinate your plants can be extremely beneficial—not to mention, they’re a lot of fun to watch as they flit between flowers.
Pineapple sage
Pineapple sage can add shocking red bursts of color to your garden. Named for the pineapple-like scent the plant gives off, this variety of sage also produces tall shoots or bright red flowers in late summer through the fall. So when most of your flowering herbs are at the end of their blooms, pineapple sage will rise up, bringing color and vitality to your herb garden throughout the fall.
The leaves can be used as a garnish, dried, or included in teas. The red flowers are even edible and can be used in flower arrangements, salads, teas, and as a garnish.
The bright red blooms will also attract the attention of hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden to help with pollination. Pineapple sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but never soggy.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics in the chart could vary depending on the particular Pineapple Sage variety or cultivar.
| Category | Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Pineapple Sage |
| Botanical Name | Salvia elegans |
| Flower Color | Bright red |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, loamy, moist |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright, bushy |
| Mature Height | 3-4 feet |
| Mature Width | 2-3 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 8-11 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings, seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees |
| Culinary Use | Beverages, desserts, salads |
| Medicinal Use | Calming, antispasmodic |
| Aromatic Properties | Sweet, pineapple-like |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
Yarrow
Yarrow is an easy, no-fuss perennial herb that blooms into packed clusters of yellow, pink, or red flowers. Yarrow is drought-resistant. It is also resistant to most pests. Its brightly colored flowers are good for attracting butterflies and honey bees to your garden.
Yarrow prefers hot and dry areas, so full sun is ideal. Yarrow will not do well in wet soil, so be careful not to overwater. Yarrow is believed to have calming qualities and can be brewed in a tea. It can also be used to treat skin conditions, such as sunburns.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics may vary depending on the particular Yarrow variety or cultivar.
| Category | Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Yarrow |
| Botanical Name | Achillea millefolium |
| Flower Color | White, yellow, pink, red |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, sandy, loamy |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright, spreading |
| Mature Height | 2-4 feet |
| Mature Width | 2-3 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Propagation Method | Division, seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, hoverflies |
| Culinary Use | Soups, salads, beverages |
| Medicinal Use | Anti-inflammatory, wound healing |
| Aromatic Properties | Mild, sweet, slightly bitter |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | High |
Dill
Dill is an herb that can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Often used as in a seasoning or used to add flavors to things like salads and cheese, but most notably in the pickling of cucumbers to create delicious dill pickles.
Dill is an annual herb that produces tall clusters of bright yellow flowers. Dill does well in the garden or containers and prefers full sun. It needs to be planted in well-draining soil, and you will want to let the soil dry between watering to ensure you are not overwatering.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics could vary depending on the particular Dill variety or cultivar.
| Category | Dill (Anethum graveolens) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Dill |
| Botanical Name | Anethum graveolens |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Time | Early to mid-summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Mature Height | 2-4 feet |
| Mature Width | 1-2 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 2-11 |
| Propagation Method | Seeds |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, hoverflies |
| Culinary Use | Pickles, sauces, salads |
| Medicinal Use | Digestion, insomnia, hiccups |
| Aromatic Properties | Fresh, slightly sweet |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, has large domed daisy-like blooms that can come in a range of white, pink, and even yellow. The plants grow one to two feet tall and bloom through the summer. Once the flowering herb petals fade and are shed, the center domes remain through the fall to add russet and copper colors to your garden. The bright blooms of this perennial are great for attracting pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, to your garden.
Echinacea plants do well in light shade or full sun. They are resilient and drought-resistant but prefer adequate soil moisture. Echinacea is a medicinal herb that can be used to treat skin conditions and rashes by adding it to potions or creams. It can also be used internally to boost the immune system by brewing it in a tea.
Daisy-Like Flowers
To add beautiful and simple daisy-like blooms among your herbs and plants, add chamomile and feverfew into the mix.
Chamomile
Chamomile boasts small white flowers with yellow centers that look just like miniature daisies. Chamomile comes in two varieties, Roman chamomile or German chamomile. The blooms on both plants are similar. The difference between the two varieties is how they grow.
Roman chamomile grows low like a groundcover and is a perennial, whereas German chamomile grows taller, is more bush-like, and is an annual. The two flowering herb varieties, though different in appearance, grow well under the same conditions. The herb thrives best in cooler conditions, so part shade is ideal, but chamomile also thrives in sun, as it likes dry soil. Like many other herbs, it is drought resistant and doesn’t require much upkeep. Chamomile is believed to have calming properties, and the flowers can be used in a tea to help you sleep.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics in the chart could vary depending on the particular Echinacea variety or cultivar.
| Category | Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Echinacea, Coneflower |
| Botanical Name | Echinacea spp. |
| Flower Color | Purple, pink, white, yellow |
| Bloom Time | Mid-summer to early fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Mature Height | 1-4 feet |
| Mature Width | 1-2 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
| Propagation Method | Seeds, division |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, birds |
| Culinary Use | Herbal teas, tinctures |
| Medicinal Use | Immune system support |
| Aromatic Properties | Mild, earthy |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
Feverfew
Feverfew, like chamomile, has small white blooms with yellow centers. It looks so much like chamomile that the two flowering herbs are often be mistaken for one another. It has many medicinal qualities and can be used to treat fevers, cramps, common colds, and even migraine headaches. All parts of the plant can be harvested to be used to help with these ailments.
Feverfew does well in the garden or in containers. It is happiest in partial to full sun and requires regular watering. The soil for feverfew should never be completely dry.
These beautiful herbs can add an array of blooms and colors to any herb garden, container garden, or flower garden. In the sea of green leaves that is usually associated with growing herbs, these plants offer a brighter variation. Their beauty combined with their usefulness makes them the perfect one-two punch for any gardener looking to create a visually stunning and practically beneficial garden to work in.
Specific growing conditions and characteristics in this chart could vary depending on the particular Feverfew variety or cultivar.
| Category | Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Feverfew |
| Botanical Name | Tanacetum parthenium |
| Flower Color | White petals with yellow centers |
| Bloom Time | Early summer to early fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Well-draining, loamy |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Mature Height | 1-3 feet |
| Mature Width | 1-2 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Propagation Method | Seeds, cuttings |
| Ease of Growing | Easy |
| Attracts Pollinators | Bees, butterflies |
| Culinary Use | Limited, bitter taste |
| Medicinal Use | Migraine prevention, anti-inflammatory, pain relief |
| Aromatic Properties | Mild, slightly bitter scent |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate |
Shellie Elliott is a freelance writer and new mom based in Dallas, TX. She grew up gardening with her grandmother and has worked as a florist. She is currently obsessed with cacti and container gardening in small spaces.
Learn more about herbs:
Essential herbs you should grow at home
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