If you are lucky enough to have a place for shade herbs the following herb plants are good choices.
Angelica – These stately plants grow 5 ft. tall. The flowers are lime green. Very impressive in a shady corner. The root is carrot like and is used to make liqueur. Grow from seed. The leaves and stems are good in vegetable or seafood soups, salads and meat sauces.
Bergamot – This North American Native is also known as bee balm. It attracts butterflies. It grows 3 ft. tall with orange, red, pink, purple or white blooms. For new plants, divide early in the spring. Grow in partial shade. Use the leaves for tasty tea. Breath the aroma as it is said to help clear head colds.
Lemon Balm – This mint like plant attracts bees. It grows 2 ft. tall in partial shade. Spreads by seed. Divide plants every two years to keep them in control. Keep well watered. Grow in full sun or partial shade. Good in lemon drinks and in any cooking that requires lemon.
Lovage – Resembles celery with strong erect leaves and bright yellow flowers. It can grow 5 ft. tall in full sun or partial shade. You can start it by seed in the early spring. The leaves have a spicy celery-like flavor. Add them to soups, stews and meat dishes.
Mint - This very invasive plant comes is a huge variety. It is easy to grow from full sun to shade. Some plants can get 3 ft. tall. Get new plants by taking root cuttings. Keep this plant under control. I like to grow mint in a chimney flue stuck in the ground. You could use any kind of buried container or grow it it pots. Go wild and use it for summer drinks, tea and in fruit salad. Mint can sooth an upset stomach and clear up your sinuses.
Sweet Woodruff – A true shade plant, sweet woodruff makes a lovely ground cover. The white spring blooms are softly scented and the scented leaves are used to make May wine. You will love this hardy low growing plant. Get your new starts by taking root cuttings. I have taken cutting from spring into fall. Use as a tea.
Every one of these shade herbs are spectacular and provide a dramatic display in a shady spot.
Give them a try, you will be glad you did.
Sheila
Angelica
Borage - Bee Balm
Lemon Balm
Lovage
Chocolate Mint
Sweet Woodruff
