Although most herbs are sun-loving plants, over half of the 10 most popular culinary herbs do well in the shade. Even when they aren’t in bloom, herbs provide wonderful foliage and make excellent companion plants for other shade-loving favorites like hostas, ferns, and astilbes.
Perennial Herbs for Shade
Perennial shade-tolerant herbs include mints, bee balm, thyme, sage, anise hyssop, chives, and garlic chives. Mints are known to be invasive, so either don’t plant it or use appropriate means to confine the spreading roots.
Oregano grows more vigorously in full sun, yet it seems adapted to somewhat shady conditions.
Sweet woodruff, a popular perennial herb, is often used as a ground cover in shady areas. During the spring its dainty white fragrant blooms are a delight.
Comfrey, a hardy perennial, does very nicely in partial shade. Throughout the summer it produces attractive clusters of tubular pink, purple, or white blooms. Provide comfrey with a rich, moist soil for best growth.
Lemon balm, a perennial, is a member of the mint family. It is quite tolerant of partial shade. When it self sows the seedlings will be solid green.
Annual Herbs for the Shade
Numerous annual herbs do well in partial shade, including German chamomile and chervil. Some annuals prefer a cool growing season. Dukat dill is a sweet-tasting herb imported from the Netherlands. This will produce over a longer period than most varieties.
Another herb recommended for shade is ginger. As ginger is not very hardy against the cold, either dig it up at the end of the growing season or buy a new root for the next year.
Strictly speaking, parsley is a biennial. However it is probably best grown as an annual since it tastes better the first year. Once it produces a flower stalk the second year, the foliage is inedible. Several varieties of parsley are available.
Like parsley, angelica behaves as a biennial. This majestic herb is tolerant of shade. Sow angelica seeds as soon as they ripen as they can’t be stored for long periods.
Generally, shade-grown herbs will require somewhat less water than those in full sun. Still, they may need some watering during prolonged dry spells. Those planted in heavy soil need watering less often. Not all herbs require sun, some are suited to partially shaded spots.
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