29 Herbs That Grow and Thrive in the Shade

Are you ready to expand your herb garden to include new varieties but don’t have enough sun to go around? We completely understand. Not all sections of our gardens are created equal with sun exposure. However, that doesn’t mean we need to give up on planting our favorite herbs! Many herb varieties either prefer full shade or tolerate partial shade. So, feel free to add one of these herbs that grow and thrive in the shade to your garden next year!

1. Angelica

An often under-represented herb is angelica (Angelica archangelica). This spectacular flower is native to northern Europe. It grows up to six feet tall and four feet wide. This flower holds a revered status in many traditional medicinal systems. It is low-maintenance and tolerates partial shade. However, don’t eat the root! While the leaves and stems are edible, the root is poisonous.

2. Bay

Most of us have added bay leaves to soups and stews without realizing where this fascinating herb comes from. Bay (Laurus nobilis) is a Mediterranean native shrub. When left alone, it can reach upwards of sixty feet tall! It tolerates multiple soil types and partially shaded environments.

3. Borage

These edible flowers are a shining star in the herbal world. While they are technically annuals, since they self-seed, you may find yourself with a volunteer plant or two the following year. Borage (Borago officinalis) produces stunning, delicate blue flowers that pollinators adore. It thrives in all types of soil and anywhere from full sun to partial shade.

4. Chervil

A popular herb in French cooking is chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium), which is why it is also known as French parsley. Its leaves and flowers have a delicious flavor that tastes similar to a mild licorice. This herb prefers moist soil and will tolerate partial shade.

5. Chives

This delicate herb looks a little like a cross between green onions and grass. It is smaller than green onions and has a more refined flavor. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a popular garnish or addition to many culinary applications. Their use in traditional culinary and medical applications goes back over 4,000 years. Chives also produce lovely (and delicious) flowers. This herb will survive in partial shade if necessary.

6. Cilantro

Though cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) isn’t technically considered a cold-weather plant, it will bolt rapidly in the heat. That is why growing this herb in partially shaded conditions is ideal. However, once that environmental location gets taken care of, this herb is remarkably easy to grow. 

7. Corsican Mint

Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) makes a fantastic ground cover. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. However, it only reaches approximately 1/4 foot tall! This flavorful herb likes full sun to partial shade and only needs moderate water.

8. Dandelion

Most people think of dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) as weeds. However, this often invasive plant is highly useful. It makes a fantastic addition to many dishes and has a long history of medicinal applications. 

This herb is highly nutritious, and all parts are edible. Plus, these flowers grow in nearly any environment, including partially shaded areas.

9. Dill

One annual you may consider adding to your herb garden is dill (Anethum graveolens). This easy-to-grow herb is beginner-friendly and highly nutritious. It will also grow in many environments, including partial shade. And it is a must-plant if you plan on making your own pickles!

10. Golden Oregano

Unlike its cousins, golden oregano (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’) doesn’t actually like the sun. Too much direct sunlight can damage its delicate leaves. This herb belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family and thrives in moderate soil and partial shade. It is also deer and drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to any garden.

11. Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) grows abundantly in parts of North America. However, thanks to its ever-increasing popularity in the traditional medicine spheres, goldenseal is now at risk in other areas. This perennial herb will thrive in partially shaded areas.

12. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a delightful herb with a citrusy and minty scent and flavor. This herb is well-known and highly studied for its traditional medicinal applications. It is a member of the mint family and only grows to about two feet tall. It requires well-draining, fertile soil and tolerates partial shade.

13. Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) grows up to four feet tall and wide. It is native to Argentina and is a delicious herb. This low-maintenance plant will tolerate partial shade and moderate soil.

14. Lovage

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) has a flavor reminiscent of celery, and many people love it. All parts of the plant are edible, and its lemony flavor makes a fantastic addition to many dishes. It will grow well in partial shade but is a relatively high-maintenance plant.

15. Meadowsweet

This popular flower is also an herb! Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is incredibly popular in traditional herbal medicine. And for good reason. Its flowers and leaves make remarkably good tea. It is a member of the Rosaceae (rose) family and grows up to six feet tall and three feet wide. Meadowsweet loves moist soil and partial shade. However, consult with your local extension office before planting some since several states consider it an invasive species.

16. Mint

There are endless varieties of mint (Mentha) available on the market. The trick is to find the ones that you like and will use. Most species will grow well in locations with partial shade. 

17. Parsley

A member of the carrot family is parsley (Petroselinum crispum), which often gets used as a garnish. However, it is a flavorful and potent herb. This herb is rich in essential nutrients but notoriously challenging to grow. Plant your parsley as soon as possible to give it the best chance of success. It will survive in spots that only get partial shade.

18. Red Perilla

This herb is most commonly known as shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa). It has a unique and intricate flavor reminiscent of anise or cinnamon (depending on the variety). Red perilla is a member of the mint family that enjoys partial shade. This edible plant can easily reach three feet tall when left to its own devices.

19. Stinging Nettle

You have likely encountered stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), which tends to leave a red and unhappy mark on unsuspecting skin. But, this herb is very common in traditional medicine and has many medicinal and culinary applications. It likes full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

20. Sorrel

Leaves from this flavorful herb are ideal for culinary applications and fresh eating in salads. Young sorrel (Rumex acetosa) have the most flavor. However, this herb’s lemony flavor profile is tasty and potent at any stage. 

21. Spicebush

Meet a likely unfamiliar North American herb — Spicebush (Lindera benzoin). While, technically, this plant is considered a shrub, its edible leaves are used in herbal preparations. It prefers partial sun to full shade and moist, well-draining soils. 

22. Sweet Cicely

This unique herb is entirely edible, with a flavor that is reminiscent of anise and celery. It grows up to four feet tall and wide and prefers partial to full shade. Sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) used to be a common addition to herb gardens thanks to its medicinal properties. However, over the years, it somehow fell out of favor and is a rare herbal treat.

23. Sweet Grass

This member of the grass family grows up to 20 inches tall. Sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata). This perennial herb requires a lot of water and full sun to partial shade. While its watering requirements require extra time and attention, it is worth it. This herb attracts lots of birds. It also has a long-standing history in Native American medicinal applications. 

24. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) makes a phenomenal ground cover and delicious herb. This coffee family member grows up to two feet long and twelve inches tall. It is an edible perennial that thrives in moist, well-draining soil in locations that receive full to partial shade.

25. Tarragon

When it comes to traditional culinary herbs, tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) holds a prominent place. It is native to Asia and Europe and grows much larger than most people expect. Tarragon can reach up to three feet tall! It is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. This herb can tolerate minimal water and partial shade.

26. Thyme

Another staple in the kitchen is thyme (Thymus vulgaris). It is also easy to see why. This aromatic and flavorful herb has a long-standing history, reaching back before Medieval times. It is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Thyme prefers well-draining soil and full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade.

27. Wasabi

Growing wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) isn’t easy, nor is it for everyone. This notoriously difficult plant grows best in warmer climates, like USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10. It prefers wetter environments and loose, well-draining soil. This highly nutritious plant can even thrive in deep shade. So, it is well worth the effort it takes to grow it.

28. Wild Bergamot

You may know wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for its spectacular blossoms. However, this gorgeous flower is also a popular herbal remedy and tea! This lovely perennial flower grows up to five feet tall and has highly aromatic foliage. It will tolerate moist or dry conditions and full sun to partial shade.

29. Wild Ginger

If you are looking for an edible ground cover, look no further than wild ginger (Asarum canadense). This flavorful herb only reaches eight inches tall but produces magnificent heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in partial to full shade and moist soil.

Summary of 30 Herbs That Grow and Thrive in the Shade

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