Flowering herbs are a delightful addition to any garden, combining beauty with functionality. These versatile plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space but also provide fresh, flavorful ingredients for your kitchen. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a cooking enthusiast, these 10 gorgeous flowering herbs offer the best of both worlds.
Why Choose Flowering Herbs for Your Garden?
Flowering herbs are unique in their ability to serve both decorative and practical purposes, making them a must-have for every gardener.
Dual Purpose of Flowering Herbs
- Garden Beauty and Kitchen Utility:
Flowering herbs produce vibrant, colorful blooms that brighten up your garden while offering fresh flavors for culinary creations. - Aromatic Appeal:
Many flowering herbs, such as lavender and chamomile, fill the air with their pleasant scents, creating a serene and inviting environment.
Benefits of Flowering Herbs
- Attract Pollinators:
Flowering herbs like bee balm and nasturtium draw bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting a healthy ecosystem. - Fresh Ingredients:
Herbs like basil, thyme, and chives provide flavorful additions to your meals, elevating everyday dishes with homegrown goodness.
For more herb-growing inspiration, explore 10 essential perennial herbs to grow in your garden and learn how to cultivate a thriving herb garden.
Top 10 Flowering Herbs for Your Garden
1. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a gardener’s favorite for its fragrant purple flowers and culinary versatility.
- Ornamental Value: Its vibrant spikes make it a standout in garden beds or containers.
- Culinary Use: Add lavender to infused oils, teas, and desserts for a floral flavor.
- Growing Tip: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage’s star-shaped blue flowers bring charm to any garden while serving as a kitchen staple.
- Ornamental Value: A beautiful border plant with a unique appearance.
- Culinary Use: Sprinkle borage flowers on salads or use them as cocktail garnishes.
- Growing Tip: Borage prefers sunny spots and reseeds itself yearly.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a dual-purpose herb, boasting edible flowers and flavorful leaves.
- Ornamental Value: Delicate purple blooms add elegance to herb gardens.
- Culinary Use: Use chive blossoms and leaves in soups, salads, and dips.
- Growing Tip: Keep chives well-watered for consistent growth.
4. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Also known as pot marigold, calendula is prized for its vibrant petals and medicinal properties.
- Ornamental Value: Bright orange and yellow flowers add cheer to gardens.
- Culinary Use: Use petals as a natural dye or to garnish salads and teas.
- Growing Tip: Calendula blooms best in cooler weather with moderate sunlight.
5. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum)
Nasturtium’s bold flowers and peppery leaves make it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike.
- Ornamental Value: Vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms create a tropical vibe.
- Culinary Use: Add flowers and leaves to salads for a spicy kick.
- Growing Tip: Plant nasturtiums in well-drained soil and avoid over-fertilizing.
6. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a pollinator magnet with stunning red and pink flowers.
- Ornamental Value: Bold blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Culinary Use: Infuse flowers into teas or use them to decorate desserts.
- Growing Tip: Provide ample space for airflow to prevent powdery mildew.
7. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)
This unique herb combines vibrant red flowers with a tropical pineapple aroma.
- Ornamental Value: Bright blooms add a pop of color to any garden.
- Culinary Use: Use flowers and leaves in teas, fruit salads, or desserts.
- Growing Tip: Pineapple sage thrives in warm climates with regular watering.
8. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil varieties like Cardinal Basil produce striking purple flowers alongside their aromatic leaves.
- Ornamental Value: Beautiful flowers enhance the appeal of herb gardens.
- Culinary Use: Use leaves and flowers in pesto, soups, or sauces.
- Growing Tip: Pinch back flowers to encourage more leaf growth.
9. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile is a classic herb known for its calming properties and daisy-like flowers.
- Ornamental Value: Soft white blooms complement any garden style.
- Culinary Use: Use dried flowers for teas, syrups, or infused oils.
- Growing Tip: Chamomile thrives in sandy soil with moderate watering.
10. Thyme (Thymus)
Thyme is a versatile herb with tiny pink or purple flowers that add fragrance and flavor.
- Ornamental Value: Use as ground cover or edging for a cottage-style garden.
- Culinary Use: Add thyme to roasts, soups, or stews for a savory touch.
- Growing Tip: Thyme prefers dry soil and full sun.
For additional ideas, visit Epic Gardening’s guide on flowering herbs to discover even more varieties.
Tips for Growing Flowering Herbs
Choosing the Right Spot
- Most flowering herbs require full sun, but partial shade works for some varieties like chamomile.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in nutrients to support healthy blooms.
Planting and Spacing
- Avoid overcrowding to give herbs room to grow and prevent fungal issues.
- Combine complementary herbs in the same bed for visual appeal and mutual benefits.
Maintenance
- Regularly prune and deadhead flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
- Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
How to Use Flowering Herbs in Your Kitchen
Infusing Oils and Vinegars
Enhance the flavor of oils and vinegars with herbs like thyme, basil, or chamomile. These infusions add depth to dressings and marinades.
Adding Fresh Blooms to Recipes
- Garnish salads with nasturtium or borage flowers for a colorful presentation.
- Use lavender and chamomile blooms to decorate desserts and teas.
Drying Flowers for Long-Term Use
- Dry lavender, bee balm, and calendula for teas, potpourri, or spices.
- Store dried flowers in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flowering Herbs Easy to Grow?
Yes, most flowering herbs are beginner-friendly and require minimal maintenance when planted in the right conditions.
Can All Herb Flowers Be Eaten?
No, not all herb flowers are edible. Always confirm the safety of a specific herb before consuming its blooms.
How Do You Preserve Flowering Herbs?
Dry, freeze, or store flowering herbs in oil to keep their flavors and fragrances available year-round.
Conclusion
Flowering herbs are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden, offering vibrant blooms and flavorful uses in the kitchen. Whether you’re infusing oils, garnishing dishes, or attracting pollinators, these 10 herbs bring unmatched versatility and charm to your outdoor space.
Start planting these gorgeous flowering herbs today to create a garden that’s as functional as it is stunning!