Herbal plants offered today

09.02.2024 - 12:18 / backyardgardener.com

The plants offered to gardeners or non-gardeners at nurseries, garden centers and the corner store vary immensely.  They may be culinary herbs suitable for all sorts of savory dishes, or valued for their blooms or can be used medicinally.

In this article, we look at all three distinctions in all the plants listed.    As the plants are used for these different applications, this makes them  even more invaluable.  But, with all plants, be sure to look into their characteristics and properties before using them unwisely.

Calendula – Also known as Pot Marigold, this plant will bloom a firey orange and yellow for many months.  Not looking at all like a traditional marigold, but instead it has soft green leaves and a double-petalled, daisy-like bloom. It is an annual but it self-seeds so readily that one never needs to purchase any plants once it is in the garden.  It prefers a sunny location, grows up to 2 1/2 feet tall and is not particular about its soil needs.  It has many uses; the flower petals can be used in breads, potpourri and various creams and it also lasts as a cut flower arrangement.

Bee Balm – Also known as Monarda, this plant blooms in late summer in shades of pink, lavender and red.  Its leaves are dark green, rough and serrated with square stems holding up spidery pompom blooms.  It is a hardy perennial that spreads well, using underground runners placed just under the soil. It too, prefers a sunny location, grows up to 3 1/2 feet tall and is not fussy about what soil it grows in.  It does however, need a good air circulation to prevent it from mildewing and loosing its lower leaves.  It has many uses; leaves in green teas and potpourri, flower petals are edible for salads, tonics for fever, headache, and