Think your shady front or backyard can’t support a lush herb garden?
Think again!
Take a look at our list of 23 culinary and medicinal herbs that thrive without full sun, perfect for adding flavor and wellness to your busy life.
Culinary & Medicinal Herbs For Your Shady Garden
Cilantro
Refreshing and versatile in the kitchen, Cilantro thrives even in less sunny spots of your garden.
Its vibrant leaves add a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads to salsas.
Easy to grow and quick to harvest, this herb is a favorite among gardeners who enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-11
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, rich in antioxidants
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
Parsley
Thriving in shaded corners, Parsley adds a fresh touch to a wide range of dishes with its vibrant, curly or flat leaves.
Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, it not only enhances flavors but also offers numerous health benefits.
Reliable and easy to grow, this versatile herb provides a steady supply of greenery throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
Type: Biennial (commonly grown as annual)
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 12-12 inches wide
Medicinal: Rich in vitamins C and K, supports digestion
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Mint
Refreshing and aromatic, Mint thrives in shaded garden spots, spreading its lush green leaves effortlessly.
Perfect for adding a cool flavor to beverages, desserts, and savory dishes, it’s a favorite among culinary enthusiasts.
Its strong growth makes it a reliable choice, though containment may be needed to keep it from overtaking other plants.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-11
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 24-36 inches wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, relieves headaches
Botanical Name: Mentha spp.
Thyme
A low-growing, fragrant herb, Thyme thrives in partial shade, adding depth to both culinary and ornamental gardens.
Its tiny leaves and subtle flavors enhance a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to vegetable stews.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, it’s a resilient choice that continues to provide greenery throughout the seasons.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide
Medicinal: Antimicrobial properties, supports respiratory health
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Chives
Slender and vibrant, Chives flourish in shaded garden spots, adding a subtle onion flavor to a variety of dishes.
Their tubular leaves are perfect for enhancing soups, salads, and garnishes with ease.
These hardy perennials not only provide a steady harvest but also produce attractive purple flowers that draw pollinators.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 4-6 inches wide
Medicinal: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports cardiovascular health
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Dill
Delicate and feathery, Dill thrives in partially shaded areas, bringing a fresh, aromatic touch to your garden.
Its fine leaves and seeds are essential for pickling, seasoning fish, and enhancing salads with a burst of flavor.
Fast-growing and easy to maintain, Dill attracts beneficial insects while providing a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, contains antioxidants
Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
Sage
Earthy and robust, Sage adapts seamlessly to shaded garden environments, offering both culinary and medicinal benefits.
Its silvery-green leaves complement a variety of dishes, from savory meats to rich sauces, while adding visual interest to your garden space.
Long-lived and drought-tolerant, Sage requires minimal upkeep once established.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory properties, supports cognitive health
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
Tarragon
Fragrant and elegant, Tarragon prospers in partially shaded settings, making it a staple for both kitchen and garden alike.
Its slender leaves are a key ingredient in French cuisine, enhancing dishes like chicken, fish, and egg-based recipes with their sweet, anise-like flavor.
Hardy and easy to manage, Tarragon ensures a consistent supply of fresh herbs throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-8
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, possesses antioxidant properties
Botanical Name: Artemisia dracunculus
German Chamomile
Calming and aromatic, Chamomile thrives in shaded garden areas, offering both beauty and utility.
Its daisy-like flowers are perfect for brewing soothing teas and creating natural remedies for relaxation and digestive health.
Easy to cultivate, Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and adds a charming touch to any shaded corner.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-10
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Medicinal: Promotes relaxation, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Marjoram
Fragrant and sweet, Marjoram thrives in shaded garden areas, adding a delicate flavor to a variety of dishes.
Its small, oval leaves are perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and sauces with ease.
Hardy and low-maintenance, Marjoram provides a steady supply of fresh herbs throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, anti-inflammatory properties
Botanical Name: Origanum majorana
Lemon Balm
Refreshing and lemon-scented, Lemon Balm flourishes in partially shaded spots, offering both culinary and medicinal benefits.
Its vibrant leaves enhance teas, salads, and desserts with a subtle citrus flavor.
Easy to grow and resilient, Lemon Balm attracts pollinators while providing a calming aroma to your garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Reduces anxiety, promotes sleep
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Calendula
Bright and cheerful, Calendula thrives in shaded areas, adding vibrant orange and yellow hues to your garden.
Its petals are versatile in culinary uses, from salads to teas, and also serve as natural remedies for skin irritations.
Fast-growing and hardy, Calendula provides continuous blooms and attracts beneficial insects.
USDA Growing Zones: 2-11
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory, promotes skin healing
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
Golden Oregano
Robust and aromatic, Golden Oregano thrives in shaded garden corners, bringing a vibrant twist to traditional oregano.
Its golden-hued leaves add a unique flavor to Mediterranean dishes, while also serving as a beautiful ornamental plant.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, golden oregano requires minimal maintenance once established.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Antimicrobial properties, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
Garlic Chives
Slender and vibrant, Garlic Chives flourish in shaded garden spots, adding a subtle garlic flavor to a variety of dishes.
Their tubular leaves are perfect for enhancing soups, salads, and garnishes with ease.
These hardy perennials not only provide a steady harvest but also produce attractive purple flowers that draw pollinators.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 4-6 inches wide
Medicinal: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports cardiovascular health
Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum
Stevia
Sweet and natural, Stevia flourishes in shaded garden areas, offering a zero-calorie alternative to sugar.
Its lush green leaves are perfect for sweetening beverages, desserts, and sauces without adding calories.
Hardy and easy to cultivate, Stevia provides a sustainable source of natural sweetness throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-11
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Lowers blood sugar, supports weight management
Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana
Winter Savory
Spicy and aromatic, Winter Savory thrives in shaded garden spots, enhancing a variety of dishes with its robust flavor.
Its hardy nature makes it a great addition to winter gardens, providing fresh herbs even in cooler months.
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, Winter Savory is perfect for adding depth to meats, stews, and sauces.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Antimicrobial properties, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Satureja montana
Chervil
Delicate and sweet, Chervil thrives in partially shaded environments, offering a mild anise flavor to a variety of dishes.
Its feathery leaves are perfect for enhancing salads, soups, and egg dishes with subtlety.
Easy to grow and fast to harvest, Chervil provides a continuous supply of fresh herbs throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-7
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, contains antioxidants
Botanical Name: Anthriscus cerefolium
Lovage
Robust and aromatic, Lovage flourishes in shaded garden areas, bringing a distinct celery-like flavor to culinary creations.
Its large, lush leaves and stems are perfect for soups, stews, and salads, adding both flavor and texture.
Hardy and long-lived, Lovage requires minimal maintenance while providing a continuous harvest of fresh herbs.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Medicinal: Supports kidney function, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Levisticum officinale
Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm)
Vibrant and aromatic, Wild Bergamot (Bee Balm) thrives in shaded garden corners, offering both beauty and utility.
Its colorful flowers attract pollinators while the leaves add a citrusy flavor to teas, salads, and marinades.
Hardy and easy to grow, Wild Bergamot provides a stunning visual and flavorful addition to any shaded garden space.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Monarda fistulosa
Roman Chamomile
Calming and aromatic, Roman Chamomile thrives in shaded garden areas, offering both beauty and utility.
Its daisy-like flowers are perfect for brewing soothing teas and creating natural remedies for relaxation and digestive health.
Easy to cultivate, Roman Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and adds a charming touch to any shaded corner.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-10
Type: Perennial
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide
Medicinal: Promotes relaxation, aids digestion
Botanical Name: Chamaemelum nobile
Angelica
Tall and graceful, Angelica prospers in partially shaded environments, providing both ornamental appeal and culinary uses.
Its large stalks and leaves are perfect for soups, salads, and herbal remedies, offering a unique flavor profile.
Hardy and versatile, Angelica adds a touch of elegance to any shaded garden space.
USDA Growing Zones: 4-8
Type: Biennial (commonly grown as annual)
Average Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Medicinal: Digestive aid, anti-inflammatory properties
Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica
Shiso
Colorful and fragrant, Shiso thrives in shaded garden spots, offering a unique flavor to a variety of dishes.
Its vibrant leaves are perfect for garnishing, salads, and Asian cuisine, adding both taste and visual appeal.
Easy to grow and maintain, red perilla provides a continuous harvest of fresh herbs throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-11
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Anti-inflammatory, supports respiratory health
Botanical Name: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Anise
Sweet and licorice-flavored, Anise flourishes in partially shaded garden areas, adding a distinct taste to culinary creations.
Its seeds are perfect for baking, beverages, and savory dishes, offering a versatile flavor profile.
Hardy and easy to cultivate, anise provides a reliable supply of flavorful seeds throughout the growing season.
USDA Growing Zones: 3-9
Type: Annual
Average Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Medicinal: Aids digestion, possesses antimicrobial properties
Botanical Name: Pimpinella anisum
Want More?
If you enjoyed discovering the best herbs that thrive in shade, you’ll love our other gardening guides.
Check out these herbs that grow well together in pots, to create a vibrant and harmonious container garden.
Explore tips on companion planting, maximizing your garden space, and more to keep your green thumb thriving all season long.
