Herbs to Make Potpourri

Sweet Basil

• Basil comes in a number of varieties. Sweet, Thai and lemon basil all have different scents. Sweet basil grows to a height of about three feet and is easy to grow both indoors or outdoors. Sweet basil leaves have a scent reminiscent of cloves or tarragon. Add this to your blend to create a rich and spicy undertone. This is a good addition for cool weather potpourri.

Lemon Verbena

• Lemon verbena has a crisp, clean scent of lemons that provides an invigorating lift wherever you need it. The woody shrub is difficult to cultivate from seeds: for best results, cultivate the shrub from softwood cuttings in summer, or hardwood cuttings in autumn. Lemon verbena leaves remain fragrant long after they are dry, making them a good addition to your spring or summer potpourri mix.

Pineapple Sage

• Pineapple sage is a semi-woody shrub that does not grow easily from seed. Its leaves are green tinged with red and the flowers are a bright red hue. The crushed leaves smell like the pineapple: juicy, with a hint of candy and sugar. This is a good addition for summer or spring potpourris when you want to enjoy a sweet and light scent.

Lavender

• Lavender is an age-old favorite with a long history in both medicine and aromatherapy. As a potpourri, the leaves and purple flowers are both used. Lavender is commonly used in potpourri mixes meant for relaxation and meditation. Mix it with vanilla essence to create a soothing bedtime blend.

Patchouli

• The patchouli plant is native to India and is useful in a potpourri or sachet to repel insects. The scent is spicy and musky, and aside from potpourri, the herb is a common ingredient in soaps, essential oils and incense. Use the dried leaves of the patchouli plant alone or mixed with other flowers and herbs to give your room a mood-lifting boost.

Coconut Thyme

• Coconut thyme is a ground-hugging plant that thrives in temperate climates. When its leaves are rubbed, it emits a rich scent equivalent to that of the coconut, making it a good addition to warm weather potpourris. When dried, the oils in the leaves continue to give off a fragrance. Combine it with pineapple sage to make a pina colada-scented blend.