While ideal growing conditions for our plants are a dream come true, reality often presents us with less than perfect situations. Shady spots in the yard can be particularly challenging, but there’s hope! Certain herbs are incredibly resilient and can thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for those hard-to-reach areas. Not only do they take advantage of underutilized space, but growing in the shade also comes with its own set of benefits.
When I first started gardening, I made the mistake of growing vegetables in a shady spot, thinking it would be a hindrance. But what I discovered was invaluable – while plants in full sun grew rapidly and seedlings remained leggy-free, the intense sunlight brought its own set of problems. In contrast, shade-grown plants matured at a slower pace, eliminating issues like leaf burn. Watering became less frequent, and I never had to resort to using shade cloth for lettuce and other greens.
Perhaps most surprisingly, transplanting was never a concern, and I often skipped the hardening-off process altogether.
Defining “Shade”
While many plants can tolerate some shade, only a select few can truly thrive in full shade conditions where direct sunlight is scarce. In this article, I’ll be focusing on partial shade, which typically means plants receive fewer than 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This can occur when a tree or other obstacle blocks the sun’s rays, creating dappled patterns of light and shadow. Some herbs are surprisingly adaptable to these conditions and can even flourish in less than ideal light.
In fact, a bit of shade can be beneficial during the hottest summer months, as it helps prevent plants from bolting under intense heat. If you have a shady spot in your garden, consider planting some of these versatile herbs that can make the most of this environment.
14 Herbs that Grow in Shade
Mint
Mint is one of the most versatile and flavorful herbs that thrive in shaded areas, making it an ideal choice for containers due to its rapid growth habit. Its culinary uses are as diverse as they are delightful, ranging from sweet treats to savory dishes like pho. When selecting a mint variety, keep in mind that different types have varying hardiness levels. For instance, pineapple mint is less resilient than other mint varieties.
As for growing conditions, mint can flourish in zones 3-11, with partial shade being its optimal environment. However, it can also tolerate full shade if needed. A crucial consideration when cultivating mint is ensuring adequate watering, particularly when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Parsley
In an effort to protect my carrots from the ravages of swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, I’ve taken to cultivating parsley. Since I don’t use much parsley in my cooking, I’m more than happy to let the caterpillars feast on it instead. As parsley thrives in cooler temperatures, I often relocate it to a shady spot during the peak summer months to ensure its continued health and productivity.
This hardy biennial is suitable for zones 4-9 and can grow well in full sun or partial shade.
A helpful tip for gardeners: consider potting parsley in well-drained soil and bringing it indoors when the weather turns cold, allowing you to enjoy this versatile garnish year-round.
Chives
In my garden, a reliable patch of chives springs back to life each year, and I’m convinced every gardener should have one too. Not only do they thrive with minimal upkeep, but their unique oniony flavor elevates a wide range of dishes. Simply snip off the tender shoots into bite-sized pieces and you’re left with an instant flavor boost. As for growing conditions, chives are surprisingly adaptable – they excel in full sun, yet can tolerate varying degrees of shade.
In my experience, a spot receiving dappled sunlight throughout the day works beautifully. Interestingly, the flowers themselves are also edible, adding another layer of versatility to this already impressive herb.
Thyme
For those who savor the flavors of roasted chicken and aromatic stews, thyme is an herb that’s sure to become a staple in their kitchen. Its natural affinity for poultry makes it a perfect addition to soups, sauces, and marinades. In terms of growing conditions, thyme thrives in zones 5-9 and has moderate sunlight requirements. While it can tolerate partial shade, its growth is slightly stunted in these conditions. On the other hand, it flourishes in hot weather.
Interestingly, planting thyme can also serve as a natural attractant for bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden seeking to support local wildlife.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a charming herb that thrives in the company of mint. Its delicate nature makes it an ideal choice for tea gardens, where it can spread effortlessly. To prevent it from taking over, consider potting it up to contain its growth. In zones 4-9, this lovely plant is perfectly at home, tolerating partial shade with ease. If you’re in a dry climate, be sure to provide some relief from the sun’s intense rays.
One key to keeping lemon balm happy is consistent moisture – aim for frequent watering and avoid letting the soil dry out too much.
Chervil
Chervil, an herb commonly used in French cuisine, is often incorporated into gourmet mesclun mixes for its unique flavor profile. Although visually similar to parsley, this lesser-known herb has distinct taste characteristics. Its subtle flavor notes evoke hints of anise and tarragon, making it a popular choice for those seeking a nuanced addition to their dishes. In terms of growing conditions, chervil is best suited to partial shade, as direct sunlight can hinder its growth.
When using chervil in cooking, it’s essential to use it in its raw form, adding it as a garnish or incorporating it into salads to preserve its delicate flavor.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a low-maintenance, yet striking perennial herb that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Its tall, leafy stems can be used as a flavorful substitute for lemon or other acidic ingredients in soups and salads. In fact, its tangy flavor profile makes it an ideal addition to many dishes. When selecting sorrel varieties, consider opting for ones with striking red veins to add a pop of color and visual interest to your garden’s landscape.
Chamomile
For those who enjoy brewing a soothing cup of tea, growing chamomile can be a rewarding experience. This herb boasts impressive anti-inflammatory properties and is often incorporated into calming tea blends for its relaxing effects. Growing conditions: Chamomile thrives in zones 3 to 9 and does well in partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if necessary.
If you’re planning to purchase a chamomile plant or seed packet, be sure to check the variety’s classification as an annual or perennial to ensure proper care and maintenance.
Tarragon
While chervil’s delicate taste and aroma have their own charms, tarragon offers a more robust flavor profile. When growing in colder climates, it’s essential to provide protection to ensure the plants can survive the winter. In terms of sunlight requirements, tarragon thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The flavor may vary depending on how much direct sunlight the plant receives.
Interestingly, there are various tarragon varieties, and for a kitchen herb garden, French tarragon is a popular choice.
Golden Oregano
Among the many varieties of oregano, ‘Golden’ stands out for its vibrant yellow hue and robust fragrance. Its shrub-like growth habit makes it an ideal choice for container gardens, where it can thrive in shaded areas. While it prefers full sun, this variety is remarkably adaptable and can tolerate partial shade. A great benefit of golden oregano is its low-maintenance nature – it’s not finicky about soil type, making it a versatile addition to any garden.
Simply plant it anywhere and enjoy the benefits of this charming herb.
Anise
Anise, with its distinctive licorice flavor, serves as a versatile substitute for licorice root, allowing for the creation of sweet and savory blends. Interestingly, this herb is part of the carrot family, alongside parsley.
In terms of growing conditions, anise thrives in zones 4 to 11 and can tolerate partial shade or full sun, making it a relatively low-maintenance option. Furthermore, its pungent aroma makes it an excellent companion plant, capable of repelling pests like aphids.
Shisho
Shiso, a Japanese herb, is a cousin of mint with a distinct flavor profile that blends notes of mint, cumin, and other herbs. While it’s relatively simple to cultivate, this plant is surprisingly sensitive to cold temperatures.
In terms of its growing conditions, shiso thrives in warm temperatures and well-drained soil. When starting seedlings, consider using a heat mat to give them the best possible start.
As for sunlight requirements, shiso is tolerant of partial shade, making it an adaptable addition to any garden.
Sweet Cicely
Harvesting and utilization of the entire plant, as well as its various medicinal parts, is encouraged. The sweet-tasting foliage can be used as a sugar substitute or cooked down for added flavor. In terms of cultivation, this herb thrives in zones 3 to 7, where it can receive either full sun or partial shade. Interestingly, seeds of this plant require a period of stratification to germinate effectively, which can be achieved by planting them in the fall.
Lovage
A versatile and low-maintenance herb, this tall-growing plant is reminiscent of celery in terms of its taste profile. Unlike many other shade-dwelling herbs, it thrives in full sun and once established, demands minimal upkeep. Its robust growth habit also makes it less susceptible to pest issues. This hardy herb can be grown in zones 4 and above, tolerating partial shade but truly coming into its own with some direct sunlight.
To preserve the flavor and aroma of this herb, harvest it as needed for fresh use rather than cutting large quantities at once.
The Bottom Line
While some plants are tolerant of shade, it’s essential to note that even shade-tolerant plants won’t thrive in a completely dark and damp environment. However, dappled or partial shade is generally not a concern for many herb varieties. That being said, when growing herbs in shady locations, it’s crucial to manage your expectations. Plants may grow at a slower pace than they would in full sunlight, but this also means you won’t have to contend with issues like high heat and soil drying out.
Instead, you may need to address problems related to excess moisture and fungal diseases. Once you navigate these challenges, you’ll find that shade-grown herbs can provide an abundance of flavor with minimal effort.
