When many gardeners cultivate herbs, they rarely venture beyond mints or the ordinary culinary trio of rosemary, thyme and sage. While these are reliable performers, the North Central Texas climate supports a range of lesser-known herbs that bring bold flavor and beauty to area gardens. Most of these plants require well-drained soil, many are drought tolerant once established and some pull double duty as pollinator magnets. Standout herbs include:
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) sports tall, attractive blue-purple flower spikes and soft, licorice-scented leaves. It is easy to grow from seed and performs best in full sun to light afternoon shade. Although anise hyssop thrives in heat and tolerates drought, the plant appreciates occasional deep watering. It is reliably cold hardy and perennial. The leaves may be used fresh or dried in teas, baked goods and fruit salads, lending a gentle licorice flavor. Flowers are also edible. Birds love eating the seed and pollinators flock to the summer blooms.
Monarda (Monarda spp.), commonly called bee balm or bergamot is a native species. Most monardas are tough — deer resistant, cold hardy, reliably perennial and well suited to Texas soils and weather. Since monardas are susceptible to powdery mildew, look for resistant cultivars. Flower colors range from red to purple, depending on type. These plants thrive in full sun and tolerate heat and short dry spells, but perform best with moderate moisture. The leaves and flowers have a citrus-mint flavor and may be used in teas, jellies and salads. Most monardas attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow them from seed or transplant.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun, poor soil and intense heat. It is also very cold hardy. The aromatic leaves and flowers are used medicinally and in cooking. Yarrow sports feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters. Colors range from white to pink, yellow and red. Grow yarrow from seed or transplants.
Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a tender perennial that is often grown as a reliable warm-season plant in North Central Texas. It loves heat and tolerates drought once established, but performs best when soil is kept moderately moist. Grow this sage in bright morning light with afternoon shade. It may freeze back, but it often returns from the roots after mild winters. The plant’s bright red, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. They also make nice cut flowers. The leaves of pineapple sage add a sweet, pineapple-like flavor to teas, fruit dishes and desserts.
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) has a strong lemon scent and flavor. Grow it in full sun with good drainage and water it regularly in the hot summer months. Lemon verbena is cold tender; give it added protection if grown in the soil or grow in containers and move indoors in freezing weather. It will go dormant, but grow quickly when moved outside in warm weather. The leaves are used in teas, syrups, baked goods and infused sugars. Grow lemon verbena from transplants. Leaves may be harvested and dried for later use.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) thrives in Texas heat and full sun. It will form a dramatic clump of arching foliage to make a nice herb garden accent. Lemongrass is highly drought tolerant once established, but requires consistent moisture to grow well. It has limited cold tolerance, so grow it as an annual or in containers that are moved inside to overwinter. Lemongrass stalks are used in Asian cuisine. They lend a bright citrus flavor to soups, curries and stir-fry dishes. Start the grass clump from a small transplant. Propagate stalks from existing plants by rooting them indoors in warm water.
Also try lovage, summer and winter savory, calendula, salad burnet and ginger. Enjoy branching out beyond the usual plant choices to grow a diverse herbal harvest!
Photographed and written by Master Gardener Phyllis Webster
