Herb Catalogue
Growing fresh herbs is easy, fun and satisfying. Picking herbs as you need them helps to retain the nutrition values and most importantly the flavour. Herbs can be grown in all types of gardens, from paddocks to pots. Even a small window box can supply two or three varieties of herbs for cooking and making tea. Come and check out our ever changing seasonal range of herbs, available in seed, seedlings and pots.
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Uses & Cultural Notes | F = Fragrant C = Culinary M = Medicinal |
| Alchemilla alpina | ALPINE LADY’S MANTLE | A medicinal herb that is an anti-inflammatory and controls bleeding. Hardy, herbaceous perennial for sun or part shade. Low, clumping plant. |
M
|
| Allium schoenoprasum | CHIVES | Onion flavoured strap-like leaves. Delicious in salads and soups. Hardy, herbaceous perennial. Prefers rich soil and a sunny position. |
C
|
| Allium tuberosum | GARLIC CHIVES | Subtle garlic flavour. Attractive white flowers. Hardy, herbaceous perennial for a sunny position. |
C
|
| Aloe vera | ALOE VERA | Aids healing of burns and cuts. Succulent plant for a warm sheltered position. Suitable for a pot. |
M
|
| Aloysia triphylla | LEMON VERBENA | Very fragrant leaves used to make a lovely herb tea. Deciduous shrub to 2m. Happiest in the sun. |
M/F
|
| Angelica archangelica | ANGELICA | Used medicinally, in cooking and in pot-pourri. A spectacular biennial for sun to part shade. 1.5 m. |
M/C
|
| Anthriscus cerefolium | CHERVIL | Tangy and slightly sweet flavour used to garnish soups and savoury dishes. Annual for light shade. |
C
|
| Armoracia rusticana | HORSERADISH | A sharp tasting herb. Makes a delicious sauce. Has a searching taproot. Requires deep, rich soil, sun. |
C
|
| Arnica chamissonis | ARNICA | Used for external applications to sprains, bruises and chilblains. Low perennial herb, part shade. |
M
|
| Artemisia abrotanum | LAD'S LOVE/ SOUTHERNWOOD | A medicinal herb excellent at repelling moths and insects. Hardy shrub for a sunny position. 1m. |
M
|
| Artemisia absinthium | WORMWOOD | Used in medicinal preparations and in various liqueurs. Hardy shrub for sun or part shade. 1.5m. |
M
|
| Artemisia dracunculus | FRENCH TARRAGON | Distinctive and delicate flavoured leaves used in cold soups and fish dishes. Clump forming perennial. Dormant in winter, sun. |
C
|
| Borago officinalis | BORAGE | Young leaves and flowers used in salads. Flowers frozen in ice make a delightful addition to summer drinks. Annual that self seeds readily. Sun. 60cm. |
C
|
| Centella cordifolia | SWAMP PENNYWORT | Medicinal herb used in the treatment of arthritis. Creeping plant for a moist sunny position. |
M
|
| Chamaemelum nobile | LAWN/ROMAN CHAMOMILE | A bitter aromatic herb with sedative properties. Well suited to making a lawn, hence the name. Hardy perennial for well-drained soil, sun. |
M/F
|
| Cymbopogon citratus | LEMON GRASS | Makes a delicious tea and is essential in Asian cooking. Perennial for a sunny protected position. |
C
|
| Echinacea purpurea | PURPLE CONEFLOWER | The dried root is used to increase bodily resistance to infection and other ailments. Hardy herbaceous perennial for a sunny position. Spectacular flowers. |
M
|
| Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa | ROCKET ARUGULA | Mild spicy flavoured leaves used in salads. Flowers used as garnish. Hardy annual that self seeds readily. Sunny position. |
C
|
| Galium odoratum | SWEET WOODRUFF | Used medicinally and in pot-pourri. Sweetly scented flowers. Creeping plant for part shade. |
M/F
|
| Galium verum | LADY’S BEDSTRAW | A slightly bitter, astringent herb used medicinally for kidney and bladder complaints. Creeping perennial for shade. |
M
|
| Helichrysum italicum | CURRY PLANT | A beautifully aromatic herb used to flavour rice, vegetables and savoury dishes to give a mild curry flavour. Hardy shrub for a sunny position. 90cm. |
C
|
| Hyssopus officinalis | HYSSOP | Medicinal herb with antibiotic properties. Also one of the secret ingredients of the liqueur Chartreuse. Hardy perennial for full sun. 60cm. |
M
|
| Inula helenium | ELECAMPANE | The root is used for in a range of remedies to treat various ailments. Herbaceous perennial for a protected sunny position. 1m. |
M
|
| Laurus nobilis | BAY TREE | An aromatic culinary herb, wonderful in stews, soups and sauces. Small tree up to 12m. Grows well in pots. Full sun. |
C
|
| Lavandula x allardii | GIANT LAVENDER | Strong camphor-like aroma. Crystallised flowers are used in ice cream making. Hardy shrub for sun. Prune after flowering. 1.5m. |
C/F
|
| Lavandula angustifolia | ENGLISH LAVENDER | Yields exquisitely scented oil used in aroma-therapy. Flowers used for culinary purposes. Hardy perennial for sun. Prune after flowering. 1m. |
M/C/F
|
| Lavandula angustifolia‘Hidcote’ | ‘HIDCOTE’ LAVENDER | Superbly scented bright purple flowers on a compact bush. Hardy perennial for sun. Prune after flowering. 50cm. |
C/F
|
| Lavandula dentata | FRENCH LAVENDER | Rosemary-like scent. Dried flowers are used in pot-pourri. Hardy perennial for sun. Prune after flowering. 1.5m |
F
|
| Leonurus cardiaca | MOTHERWORT | A medicinal herb inducing quietness and passivity of the whole nervous system. Perennial for shade. |
M
|
| Levisticum officinale | LOVAGE | Culinary herb with a celery-like flavour. Also contains antiseptic properties. Herbaceous perennial for a sunny position. |
M/C
|
| Matricaria recutita | GERMAN CHAMOMILE | A valuable herb particularly as a general soother and aid to sleep. Annual that self seeds, sun. |
M
|
| Melissa officinalis | LEMON BALM | Highly fragrant herb with medicinal properties. Makes a refreshing tea. Herbaceous spreading perennial for sun or part shade. |
M/C/F
|
| Mentha piperita | PEPPERMINT | A deeply aromatic herb with therapeutic properties makes an excellent addition to pot-pourri or herb pillow. Wonderful flavour in teas and iced drinks. Perennial with a spreading habit, sun to part shade. |
M/C/F
|
| Mentha x piperita | CHOCOLATE MINT | A delicious chocolate peppermint flavour. Spreading perennial for sun to part shade. |
C
|
| Mentha pulegium | PENNYROYAL | Used medicinally, generally not for culinary purposes. Reputed to repel insects. Creeping perennial that can spread, sunny position. |
M/F
|
| Mentha requienii | CORSICAN MINT | Aromatic herb with a strong peppermint scent. Ornamental groundcover for sun to part shade. Will take light traffic. |
F
|
| Mentha sp | BASIL MINT | Delicious basil flavour wonderful in soups. Spreading perennial for sun to part shade. |
C
|
| Mentha sp | EAU DE COLOGNEMINT | Very fragrant herb used in pot-pourri. Ornamental creeping perennial for sun to part shade. |
F
|
| Mentha spicata | SPEARMINT | A beautiful mint used in confectionery, cosmetics and medicinally. Highly valued for its essential oil. Spreading perennial for sun to part shade. |
M/C/F
|
| Mentha suaveolens | APPLE MINT | A delightfully scented mint that tastes like ripe apples. Perennial with spreading habit for sun to part shade. |
C/F
|
| Mentha viridis | COMMON MINT | Delicious in cool summer drinks, with peas and to flavour salads. Perennial for sun to part shade. |
C
|
| Monarda citriodora | LEMON BERGAMOT | Lemon scented leaves used in teas and flavouring wild game. Annual or biennial for sun. 60cm. |
M/C
|
| Monarda didyma | BERGAMOT | Sweet scented herb with medicinal properties. Bees love it. Perennial for sun to part shade. 60cm. |
M/C
|
| Nasturtium officinale | WATERCRESS | A culinary herb with medicinal properties. Used fresh in salads, promoting appetite. Slightly bitter, mildly hot flavour. Hardy, creeping perennial, grows in abundance in ponds or moist positions. |
M/C
|
| Nepeta cataria | CATMINT | Medicinal herb used for colds and indigestion. Perennial herb for a sunny position. 30cm. |
M
|
| Ocimum basilicum | SWEET BASIL | Just beautiful with tomatoes. Use fresh or dried in salads and cooking. Annual for sunny position. |
C
|
| Ocimum basilicum 'Cinamon' | CINNAMON BASIL | Cinnamon fragrance, delicious in hot drinks, chutney and salads. Annual for sunny position. |
C
|
| Ocimum basilicum var. minimum | BUSH BASIL | A sweet little basil with excellent flavour. Annual for sunny position. |
C
|
| Ocimum basilicum 'Dark Opal' | DARK OPAL BASIL | Brilliant foliage colour makes beautiful pesto and garnish. Use in vinegar. Annual for sunny position. |
C
|
| Ocimum basilicum var. citriodorum | LEMON BASIL | Delightful lemon scented leaves and flowers. Used in vegetable, chicken and fish dishes. Annual, sun. |
C
|
| Ocimum sanctum | HOLY/SACRED BASIL | Delightful slight musk mint scent. In Hindu houses in India basil is cherished and considered the protecting spirit of the family. Annual, sun. |
F
|
| Origanum heracleoticum | GREEK OREGANO | A beautiful flavoured herb added to casseroles and tomato dishes. Perennial groundcover for sun. |
C
|
| Origanum majorana | SWEET MARJORAM | Related to oregano. Used to flavour just about any savoury dish form soups and salads. Perennial for sun to part shade. 50cm. |
C
|
| Origanum vulgare | WILD OREGANO | An essential herb in Italian, Greek and Mexican cooking. Use fresh or dried. Perennial for sun. |
C
|
| Petroseinum crispum | CURLY PARSLEY | Use fresh or dried to flavour and garnish any savoury dish. Rich in vitamins A and C. Biennial for a sunny position. 30cm. |
C
|
| Petroselinum crispum 'Italian' | ITALIAN PARSLEY | Flat foliage with a rich flavour. Hardy biennial for a sunny position. 50cm. |
C
|
| Rosmarinus officianalis | ROSEMARY | An aromatic herb that is restorative, relieves pain and relaxes. Used to flavour roasts, soups, stews and biscuits. Hardy shrub for sun. 1.5m. | M/C/F |
| Rosmarinus officinalis | ROSEMARY ‘BENENDEN’S BLUE’ | An equally rich rosemary with a semi-prostrate habit and deep blue flowers. Hardy shrub, sun. |
M/C/F
|
| Rumex scutatus | FRENCH SORREL | A distinctive flavoured herb used to make soup and flavour salads. Herbaceous perennial for sun. |
C
|
| Ruta graveolens | RUE | An excellent repellent for fleas, flies and ants. Used medicinally in small quantities. Hardy shrub for sun. Tolerates dry conditions. 60cm. |
M
|
| Salvia elegans | PINEAPPLE SAGE | Highly fragrant pineapple-scented leaves, delicious in cool summer drinks. Bright red edible flowers. Hardy shrub for sun. Prune regularly. 1m. |
C/F
|
| Salvia x fruticosa | GREEK SKIES | This strongly aromatic culinary herb is superb. In combination with onion it makes great stuffing. Medicinally it is used for coughs and rheumatic pain. Broad handsome leaves. Hardy shrub for sun. Well drained soil. 90cm. |
M/C/F
|
| Salvia officianalis | SAGE | Used for both culinary and medicinal purposes as with Salvia fruiticosa. Hardy shrub for sun. Well drained soil. 90cm. |
M/C/F
|
| Salvia sclarea | CLARY SAGE | Used medicinally for a variety of diseases and ailments. Clump forming biennial plant for sun to part shade. |
M
|
| Sambucus nigra | ELDERBERRY | Used for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. Muscatel flavoured berries are beautiful in stewed fruit, jams and jellies. Makes superb mead. Deciduous shrub to 4m, sun. |
M/C/F
|
| Sanguisorba minor | SALAD BURNET | A nutty flavoured herb used fresh in salads and soups. Perennial for a sunny position. Self-seeds. |
C
|
| Santolina chamaecyparissus | LAVENDER COTTON | An ornamental herb with delightfully fragrant silver foliage and medicinal properties. Rarely used medicinally today. Hardy shrub for a sunny position. 60cm. |
M/F
|
| Santolina viridus | SANTOLINA | Vibrant fragrant green foliage. Hardy perennial small shrub for a sunny position. 60cm. |
F
|
| Satureja hortensis | SUMMER SAVORY | Used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Wonderful in stuffing and meat dishes. Annual herb for sun. 30cm. |
M/C
|
| Satureja montana | WINTER SAVOURY | Used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. An ingredient in herbal cordials for gastric complaints. Perennial for a sunny position. 40cm. |
M/C
|
| Stachys officinalis | BETONY | A medicinal herb that should not be taken to excess. Hardy mat-forming perennial for sun to part shade. |
M
|
| Symphytum officinale | COMFREY | A soothing and healing herb used medicinally. Makes an excellent compost accelerator. Herbaceous perennial for sun to part shade. Take care not to let it escape. 60cm. |
M
|
| Tanacetum cinerariifolium | PYRETHRUM | A pungent herb with insecticidal properties. A hardy perennial for a sunny position. 90cm. |
F
|
| Thymus argentea | ‘SILVER POSY’ THYME | A pretty little thyme with white and green variegated leaves. Has a camphor like fragrance. Used to flavour savoury dishes. Hardy perennial for a sunny position. 30cm. |
C/F
|
| Thymus citriodorus | LEMON THYME | Delicately lemon leaves used to flavour savoury dishes, particularly fish, poultry and vegetables. Used medicinally in aromatherapy for respiratory complaints. Hardy perennial for a sunny position. 30cm. | M/C/F |
| Thymus herba barona | CARAYAY THYME | A strongly flavoured thyme used in savoury dishes from soups to salads. Hardy prostrate creeping perennial. 20cm. |
C/F
|
| Thymus serpyllum | WILD THYME | A culinary herb used in soups, marinades and dishes that are slowly cooked, as it retains its flavour well. Hardy perennial for a sunny position. |
C
|
| Thymus vulgaris | COMMON THYME | Wonderful in home made vinegar and oil, roasts and French cooking. Used medicinally for coughs and related conditions. Hardy perennial for a sunny position. 30cm. |
M/C
|
| Valeriana officinalis | VALERIAN | Used medicinally to treat insomnia, hysteria, anxiety and other ailments. Hardy herbaceous perennial for sun to part shade. 1.5m. |
M
|
