Perennial Herbs
Perennial herbs are the backbone of a low-maintenance kitchen garden — plant rosemary or thyme once and, in the right spot, they'll keep producing for years. These 8 guides cover the differences in care between Mediterranean herbs like sage and tropical ones like curry leaf.
Bay Tree
Laurus nobilis · Laurel family
Curry Leaf
Murraya koenigii · Rue family
Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus · Grass family
Mint
Mentha spp. · Mint family
Oregano
Origanum vulgare · Mint family
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus · Mint family
Sage
Salvia officinalis · Mint family
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris · Mint family
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my perennial herb gone woody and stopped producing much?
This is normal ageing for many perennial herbs like rosemary and sage — regular pruning after flowering each year prevents it for longer, but eventually most benefit from being replaced or propagated fresh from a cutting every 4–5 years.
Can I grow perennial herbs indoors?
Some cope reasonably well in a bright pot, but most in this group are Mediterranean natives that want full sun and free-draining soil — conditions that are hard to fully replicate indoors long-term.