Herbs That Can Be Grown in Part Sun

Mint

• An aggressive plant, mint thrives in partial or full sun, and rich soil. Hardy and fast growing, mint is suitable for container gardening. Propagate various types using root clippings. Perennial varieties of mint include spearmint, peppermint and Corsican mint. All edible, these different flavors work well in teas, sauces and liqueurs. Harvest mint leaves once the flowers begin to show. Leaves can be frozen in layers between waxed paper for winter use or dried and crushed.

Sage

• Sage, or Salvia officinalis, a woody perennial, thrives in partial shade. The robust earthy flavor remains a favorite seasoning for breads and fowl. Sage prefers a slightly acidic soil and good drainage. The dusty grey-green foliage and lilac blooms show well in herb gardens. Pinch (remove) new growth to create full and lush plants. Start from seeds and harvest mature leaves. Use them while fresh or hang leaves to dry for off-season use.

Thyme

• Thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, thrives in borders or in rock gardens. As a container herb, thyme is low-maintenance and hardy. The dark green tiny leaves and delicate blossoms enhance herb gardens and patio areas. Lemon thyme releases a lemon scent, while creeping thyme is spicy. Thyme prefers well-drained soil and tolerates partial shade to sun. Thyme grows more robust when it does not have to compete for room. Harvest and hang to dry for winter use.

Chives

• A perennial herb, chives, or Allium schoenoprasum, fill the garden with the pungent scent of onion while showing with vivid blossom heads of white, pink, violet or red. Chives thrive in part shade or full sun, tolerating many soil types. These hardy plants respond well to cutting back and are easy to maintain. Pick flowers from the plants to encourage continuous growth. Chives attract very few pests and are usually unaffected by disease. Chinese and garlic chives have a garlic flavor.

Wild Ginger

• Wild ginger, or Asarum caudatum, requires full to partial shade. In more shaded areas, this perennial ground-cover prefers a moist acidic soil. Not culinary ginger, wild ginger does have the aroma of ginger around its root system. The heart-shaped leaves give a lush appearance to otherwise drab areas of a garden and flower in April and May. This plant needs little maintenance and uses rhizomes to spread.