Herbs Growing in Zone 8

Lemon Verbena

• Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a fragrant, perennial herb that is hardy to USDA zones 8 through 10. It grows as a shrub and is native to Argentina and Chile. It prefers tropical areas and thrives in full sunlight and in light, loamy soils. Lemon verbena is sensitive to cold, which is why it grows well in areas in the South. Move the plant indoors in the winter in colder northern climates in order to survive.

Rosemary

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen herb that is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. The pale blue flowers bloom in winter and spring, and the plant can grow up to 6 feet tall. It thrives best in climates with warm summers and mild winters with little to no rainfall. Rosemary requires at least six hours of full sunlight every day and survives in dry soils. The plant prefers the heat, so you should grow it indoors in cooler climates.

Anise

• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is an annual herb that is hardy to hardiness zones 8 through 10. Anise grows up to 2 feet tall. The plant prefers partial shade to full sunlight and moist, well-drained soils. Anise requires a climate that can go approximately four months without a frost, but it is intolerant of excessive heat. Provide shade in areas that get extreme heat in the summer. Anise is commonly used as a garnish in cooking, and the oil of the seeds is used in flavoring candies and beverages.

Bee Balm

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial herb that can grow up to 18 inches tall and is commonly called a horsemint. The herb is hardy to zones 3 through 9. It has pink, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer. Bee balm is commonly grown as a ground cover. It prefers full sunlight and well-drained soils. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant, but it cannot tolerate excessive heat and moisture. Plant bee balm in partial shade in the deep South to provide relief from the heat.

Pineapple Sage

• Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a fragrant, herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is hardy to zones 8 through 10 and is native to Guatemala and Mexico. The herb has red flowers that bloom from August to September. Pineapple sage prefers full sunlight and moist, well-drained soils. It can not tolerate cold winters and must grow indoors in cooler climates.