10 Perennial Herbs For Hot Summer Climates
If you live in a hot summer climate, plant these ten perennial herbs once, and you’ll enjoy harvests for years! A perennial is a species that completes its life cycle over three or more years. It can survive both winter and summer and can be harvested without killing the plant. Each one of these herbs has survived for several years in my low desert Arizona garden. Perennial herbs are a simple way to increase production and yield in the garden. Once you plant them, you can harvest them for years to come!
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10 Perennial Herbs for Hot Summer Climates
1. Bay Laurel
Bay Laurel is a slow grower and can take up to 2 years to establish, but once it does, it can survive for many years.
2. Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance. It grows well in partial sun or full sun and well-drained soil.
Learn more about how to grow lemongrass in this blog post.
3. Sage
I like to grow sage in the corner of a raised bed. It prefers well-drained soil with full sunlight. Give this perennial herb a trim in early spring and again at the end of summer to keep it looking it’s best.
Learn more about how to grow sage in this blog post.
4. Lavender
Lavender prefers dry, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It grows well in native soil and thrives on neglect.
10 Perennial Herbs Every Gardener in Hot Summer Climate Should Grow (cont.)
5. Rosemary
Rosemary prefers a well-drained soil and full sunlight. This tough shrub makes an excellent landscape plant and does well in native soil.
Learn more about how to grow rosemary in this blog post.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm prefers partial to full sunlight and well-drained soil. It can be invasive. Grow this perennial herb in a container to prevent spread.
7. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena is a fragrant herb with a warm citrus flavor. Provide shade during the hottest months of the year.
Learn more about how to grow lemon verbena in this blog post.
8. Oregano
When choosing a transplant, rub a leaf to smell the aroma. Choose plants with the most potent aroma for the best flavor. Planting oregano in pots or containers is a great option to prevent spreading.
Learn more about how to grow oregano in this blog post.
9. Thyme
Thyme is my favorite perennial herb for cooking. I usually grow thyme in several locations throughout my garden. It does best with afternoon shade during the summer.
Learn more about how to grow thyme in this blog post.
10. Mint
Mint can spread, so grow in containers. This tough plant often dies back during the hottest months of the year but usually returns with abundant growth in the fall. Get tips for surviving a heatwave in this guide.
Learn more about how to grow mint in this blog post.
Read this post for more information about growing herbs in the low desert of Arizona.
No mention of Mexican oregano (lippia gravolens), great plant for full sun and drought tolerant
I forgot to mention probably good to zone 7 & above, perfect for the lower deserts and way more potent than other oreganos
What type of lavender do you grow in zone 9b? And it survives the summer heat?
French lavender is the one I most often grow. Yes I have plants that have survived for several years. They don’t look amazing over the summer but bounce back and bloom beautifully. I grow in native unamended soil and don’t overwater.