15 Herbs That Grow in the Shade

Herbs are great additions to any garden as they are fragrant, beautiful, useful for cooking as culinary herbs in stews or other dishes, attract pollinators, and can be used for their medicinal properties. Many herbs can grow in light shade or partial shade, which is great news for anyone who has limited gardening space or shady areas in a yard or garden. Several of these shade-tolerant herbs are hardy perennial herbs that can also double as groundcover in your shade garden, or you can start an entire herb garden dedicated to them.

1. 1. Angelica (Angelica): Angelica is a genus of herbs with large clusters of white flowers. Their stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers are all edible. Angelica will grow best in dappled shade and will do very poorly in high heat.
2. 2. Anise (Pimpinella anisum): Anise, an herb with fern-like leaves, has a strong taste of black licorice, which makes it a common addition to drinks and desserts. Anise will do well even in poor soil with low light but is very susceptible to wind and will require protection.
3. 3. Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Often called bee balm, bergamot is an herb that tastes similar to oregano and is known to attract bees—as well as hummingbirds and butterflies—to gardens. It is named after the bergamot fruit, which has a similar fragrance. Bergamot is a very hardy and drought-tolerant herb that will grow well in poor-quality soil, and though it prefers full sun it will still do well in light shade.
4. 4. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium): Chervil is an herb very similar in appearance to parsley, but it has a very mild licorice taste commonly makes an appearance as flavoring in French cuisine. When growing chervil, look for a spot with partial shade or full sun. It has a tendency to become leggy if not pruned.
5. 5. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Chives are a flowering herb with a mild onion flavor and that produce lavender-colored flowers in the late spring. They share the same genus as garlic and leeks and are frequently used as a garnish. Chives tolerate low-quality soils, require little care, and can thrive in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.
6. 6. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum): Also known as coriander, cilantro is an herb that is commonly used in cooking for its strong, herbaceous flavor and fragrance. Cilantro will wilt in too much direct sunlight and prefers moist soil.
7. 7. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family known for its strong lemon-like fragrance. It has a tart flavor that makes it a great addition to salads and herbal teas. Lemon balm does well in shade but can get leggy if not trimmed often.
8. 8. Lovage (Levisticum officinale): Lovage is an herb that looks and tastes similar to celery. In the right conditions, it can grow up to six feet tall. The leaves, roots, and seeds all have culinary applications. Lovage grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist soil.
9. 9. Mint (Mentha): The name mint is used by many different species, with peppermint being one of the most recognizable. Mint is commonly used as a flavoring in drinks or desserts. Grow mint in moist and rich soil and know that it will spread very quickly in your garden. Mint thrives in full sun, but it will also do well in partial shade.
10. 10. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Oregano is a woody flowering herb in the mint family. It adds an astringent flavor to Italian and Greek dishes. Oregano prefers well-draining soil and will do well in part shade.
11. 11. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Parsley is a flowering herb with a very similar appearance to cilantro. It is a member of the carrot family and is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a popular garnish. Parsley prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients and it is sensitive to cold temperatures. It will do best with direct sunlight, but it will also tolerate light shade.
12. 12. Sorrel (Rumex acetosa): Common sorrel, also known as garden sorrel, is an herb that has a dull green color and large, spinach-like leaves with a fruity taste similar to rhubarb or lemon. Common sorrel will do well in a cold climate, but for hotter climates, try French sorrel (Rumex scutatus). Sorrel grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade as well.
13. 13. Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata): Also known as garden myrrh, sweet cicely is an herb in the celery family. It has fern-like leaves and produces clusters of white flowers. Sweet cicely hasan anise-like flavor and was historically used to treat respiratory problems. Sweet cicely will do well in part shade and prefers moist soil.
14. 14. Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum): Sweet woodruff is a flowering herb with a grassy flavor and aromatic green leaves. This medicinal herb was used in the Middle Ages to heal wounds, cuts, or bruises and to alleviate stomach aches. Sweet woodruff thrives in moist areas with part shade. It can easily become invasive.
15. 15. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): Tarragon is a leafy, aromatic herb with a strong taste of licorice. Historically, it has been used to treat indigestion and nausea. It’s also an essential component of classic French Béarnaise sauce. Tarragon prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.

Since they don’t require many hours of sun, shade-loving herbs can make great houseplants if your “garden” is just a countertop or windowsill. Consider some of these gardening tips so that you can enjoy fresh herbs year-round.

1. 1. Water regularly. Most herbs will prefer moist soil, so regularly check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the ground or potting soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. The best time of day to water is early in the morning, when water won’t immediately evaporate in the midday sun. Herbs planted in the shade may need to be watered less often, since the shady conditions can help retain moisture.
2. 2. Be patient. Many herbs will tolerate shadier conditions, but don’t expect them to grow as quickly in low light as they would in full sun.
3. 3. Prune as needed. Some herbs will get leggy if allowed to grow too long without pruning. Especially during the summer months, trim back any shoots or bushy parts to keep your herbs from going to seed early.
4. 4. Manage invasive herbs. Many herbs, like mint or sorrel, can take over your garden if not monitored. Harvest and trim them back regularly, and pull up the underground runners that they will use to spread across your garden. For an easy fix, plant these types of herbs in a container, rather than directly in the ground.

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