What Are Perennial Herbs?

These plants are winter hardy in their native habitat and often get quite large as they mature.

Many of our most popular culinary herbs are technically perennials, including most mints and woody-stemmed herbs like lavender.

Herb garden with perennial herbs.

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Want more gardening tips?

What Are Annual Herbs?

However, cold-sensitive herbs can be kept alive for years by overwintering them indoors or in a heated greenhouse.

Growing organic fresh dill in a pot on a deck in the city.

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But just because herbs are perennials, doesnt mean theyll necessarily grow perennially in your area.

For more variety, try lesser known oregano varieties like Greek oregano, Mexican oregano, or Syrian oregano.

rosemary in garden

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Bay laurel plant in orange pot with upward-growing branches

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flowering chives

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Lavender with dark purple bracts and flowers

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Sweet marjoram herb plant stem with leaves growing closeup

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

Mint plant.

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oregano plant

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Roman chamomile has one bloom per stem

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Tricolor sage.

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pulled out shot of a tarragon plant

The Spruce / Kara Riley

thyme herb plant

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Winter savory in bloom.

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