Whether you have a shaded patio, a north-facing garden, or just some shady corners in your yard, these 15 herbs will flourish in low-light conditions.
When it comes to growing herbs, many people assume that full sun is a must. However, not all gardens have the luxury of abundant sunlight.
The good news is that many herbs thrive in partial or even full shade, making them perfect for those tricky spots in your garden that don’t get much sunlight.
Whether you have a shaded patio, a north-facing garden, or just some shady corners in your yard, these 15 herbs will flourish in low-light conditions.
1. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Mint is one of the most versatile and easy-to-grow herbs. It prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates, and can spread quickly, providing a lush green ground cover.
Tips:
- Container Friendly: Grow mint in containers to prevent it from becoming invasive.
- Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist for best growth.
2. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Parsley is a biennial herb that grows well in partial shade. It’s a slow grower in full sun but thrives in cooler, shadier areas where it won’t bolt as quickly.
Tips:
- Soil: Plant parsley in rich, well-drained soil.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Chives are a hardy perennial herb that can tolerate light shade. They are perfect for adding a mild onion flavor to dishes and produce attractive purple flowers.
Tips:
- Divide Regularly: Divide clumps every few years to maintain healthy growth.
- Water: Chives prefer moist soil, especially in shady areas.
4. Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Cilantro is a cool-weather herb that grows well in partial shade, which helps it avoid bolting too quickly in warm climates.
Tips:
- Succession Planting: Plant cilantro successively to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Soil: Ensure well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that loves partial shade. It’s easy to grow and adds a fresh lemony flavor to teas, desserts, and salads.
Tips:
- Contain Growth: Lemon balm can be invasive, so consider growing it in pots.
- Prune Regularly: Trim back frequently to prevent it from taking over.
6. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Why It Thrives in Shade
French tarragon prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates. It’s known for its distinctive anise flavor and is a key ingredient in many classic dishes.
Tips:
- Well-Drained Soil: Plant tarragon in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Water Sparingly: Avoid overwatering, as tarragon prefers drier conditions.
7. Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Thyme is a hardy herb that can tolerate partial shade, although it prefers full sun. In shadier spots, it grows more slowly but still produces aromatic leaves.
Tips:
- Sandy Soil: Plant thyme in sandy, well-drained soil.
- Prune Lightly: Trim back after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
8. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Sorrel is a perennial herb that prefers cool, shady conditions. Its tangy, lemony leaves are perfect for salads, soups, and sauces.
Tips:
- Harvest Regularly: Pick leaves frequently to encourage new growth.
- Rich Soil: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil for the best flavor.
9. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Lovage is a tall, perennial herb that can tolerate partial shade. It has a flavor similar to celery and can be used in soups, stews, and salads.
Tips:
- Space Wisely: Lovage can grow quite large, so give it plenty of room.
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist, especially in drier conditions.
10. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Chervil is a delicate herb that prefers cooler, shadier spots in the garden. It has a mild flavor, similar to parsley, with a hint of anise.
Tips:
- Frequent Sowing: Chervil has a short life cycle, so sow seeds regularly for a continuous harvest.
- Rich Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil and keep it consistently moist.
11. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Oregano prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. It’s a versatile herb used in many Mediterranean dishes.
Tips:
- Prune Often: Trim oregano regularly to promote bushy growth.
- Well-Drained Soil: Plant in soil with good drainage to avoid root rot.
12. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Dill is another herb that benefits from partial shade in hot climates, as it prevents the plant from bolting too quickly. Dill’s feathery leaves add flavor to many dishes, especially pickles.
Tips:
- Succession Planting: Plant dill every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Support Tall Stalks: Dill can grow tall, so provide support if necessary.
13. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving herb with a sweet, hay-like fragrance. It’s often used to flavor drinks and desserts, and it makes a beautiful ground cover.
Tips:
- Cool, Moist Soil: Sweet woodruff prefers cool, moist conditions.
- Mulch Regularly: Mulch to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
14. Violets (Viola odorata)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Violets are more than just a pretty flower—they’re also a fragrant, shade-loving herb that can be used in teas and desserts.
Tips:
- Moist, Well-Drained Soil: Violets prefer soil that’s consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Regular Harvest: Pick flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
15. Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)
Why It Thrives in Shade
Wild garlic is a shade-tolerant perennial that’s prized for its flavorful leaves and bulbs. It’s perfect for adding a mild garlic flavor to a variety of dishes.
Tips:
- Moist Soil: Plant wild garlic in moist, well-drained soil.
- Space Wisely: It spreads easily, so give it space to grow.
Shade doesn’t have to limit your herb garden. These 15 herbs not only tolerate low-light conditions but thrive in them, providing you with a rich variety of flavors and scents throughout the growing season.
By choosing the right herbs and giving them the care they need, you can create a lush, productive garden even in the shadiest parts of your yard.
