In an era of increasing water scarcity and environmental consciousness, xeriscaping has emerged as a smart, sustainable approach to landscaping. This water-wise gardening technique focuses on using drought-tolerant plants to create beautiful outdoor spaces while minimizing water usage. But who says a practical garden can't be fragrant, edible, and medicinal too? Enter the world of xeriscaping with perennial herbs and aromatics – a perfect blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability. In this guide, we'll explore how to transform your outdoor space into a water-efficient oasis bursting with aromatic herbs that not only look great but also serve your culinary and wellness needs. From lavender to sage, and thyme to rosemary, discover how these hardy perennials can thrive in dry conditions while adding depth, texture, and purpose to your xeriscape design.
Incorporating herbs, which are almost always highly aromatic and perennial, is a three-fer when it comes to designing a xeriscape landscape.
- They smell wonderful!
- They can be used for both culinary and medicinal uses!
- Often evergreen, they can be quite beautiful and produce attractive flowers!
When selecting herbs for your xeriscape garden, think first of those herbs that you use in your kitchen on a regular basis. Herbs, dried or fresh, are expensive if purchased in your local grocery store. Growing your own gives you an unending supply. You can use them fresh or dry your own (the aromas from drying herbs are a natural air freshener). If using them fresh, you will want to use more than you would if using a dried herb; as they dry, their flavor is intensified. From low-growing herb plants to shrubs growing 2 to 3 feet, you have a wide choice of herbs and aromatics when designing your xeriscape garden.
Homegrown herbs can be dried, frozen, or used fresh, but if you find that you have more than you can use, you can give them as thoughtful gifts, all the more appreciated because they were nurtured by you. Gifting herbs, along with a much-loved recipe, is even better! If you are growing a large amount, look to your local restaurants or Bed and Breakfasts to purchase your fresh herbs. “Locally sourced” ingredients on the menu are always a popular draw for restaurants.
All herbs are perennials, depending upon the USDA Hardiness Zone in which you live. Additionally, many of the herbs that are more sensitive to cold weather can be moved indoors in containers.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Perennial in USDA Zones 5-9, this wonderfully aromatic herb, with delicious purple blossoms, thrives in dry, sunny areas and actually prefers soil that is not nutrient dense. Its uses are endless!
Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) – An evergreen perennial in zones 6 to 9, it has been known to withstand temperatures as high as 115°F and as low as 0°F. Also known as Cotton Lavender or Lavender Cotton, it has fragrant, green foliage with a grayish hue, is drought-tolerant, grows well in poor soil, and is often used in water-wise landscapes.
Purple Sage (Salvia dorrii) – A perennial in zones 5 to 9, this aromatic shrub with pretty purple flowers adapts well to dry, rocky soils. All sage plants are interchangeable when it comes to cooking, so choose the one that best suits you and your design.
Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) – A perennial in zones 5 to 9, it is also an evergreen in many areas. A highly drought-tolerant herb, sage is both ornamental and useful in the kitchen. Its grayish-green leaves and dainty purple flowers add visual interest to xeriscape gardens.
Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) – A perennial that will die back in zones 5 to 7, its cold-hardy roots allow it to reemerge in the spring. In zones 8 to 10, you can expect it to be evergreen. This shrubby, Mediterranean native with yellow flowers and fuzzy, grayish-green leaves thrives in dry soils and can be used as a substitute for common sage, but is much prettier, so does double duty in your garden.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.) – A perennial to zone 3, this aromatic herb with purply-blue flowers is highly drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Blooming throughout the summer and fall, it is much more ornamental than mint. Mint, of any kind, can be an aggressive spreader, so it should be contained within edging or grown in containers. Cats love it, just not quite as much as catnip.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – This herb is a perennial in zones 3 to 11, remaining evergreen in zone 5 and warmer. This low-growing herb serves as an excellent ground cover, making it a great choice for growing on slopes or for moisture and weed control in xeriscape gardens. Thyme thrives in full sun and dry soils.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Perennial in zones 7 to 11, it thrives best in zones 8a through 10b, often remaining evergreen in these areas. Highly fragrant and drought-tolerant, rosemary is both ornamental and culinary. Rosemary does very well when planted in containers too!
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – Perennial in zones 4-10, this Mediterranean woody herb has its best flavor when dried, unlike most herbs. Oregano thrives in dry conditions, is hardy, drought-resistant, and has a plethora of culinary uses.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) – Is considered a tender perennial in zones 7 and 8 and may have to be mulched well in colder climes. In zones 9 and 10, this cousin of oregano is a heat-loving, perennial herb with a slightly sweeter flavor and excellent drought tolerance.
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) – This perennial is hardy in zones 3 to 11, not even requiring winter protection down to -35°F. This aromatic herb produces spikes of purply-blue flowers on plants that are 12 to 24-inches tall and thrives in dry, sunny conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping.
Winter Savory (Satureja montana) – Perennial in Zones 5–11, this tough, low-growing, semi-woody herb is highly drought-tolerant and great for culinary uses that require strong flavor, like soups or stews, and for stronger-flavored meats, such as venison. Growing only 8 to 15 inches tall, it spreads 12 to 24 inches and can be used as a ground cover in xeriscape landscapes.
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) – Perennial in zones 4 through 8, tarragon requires a bit more water than some other xeriscape herbs; however, French tarragon can still perform well in water-wise gardens, especially if mulched and grouped with other plants that have moderate water needs.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial in zones 3 through 7 but can be grown year-round indoors. Although lemon balm prefers slightly more moisture than lavender or rosemary, it performs well in xeriscape gardens if carefully managed and grouped with plants that have similar water requirements.
Who knew there were so many herbs and aromatic plants that can decorate your xeriscape garden design? You can plant a garden just for herbs…or you can mix it up, planting aromatic herbs in and among the other plants in your water-wise garden! Use your imagination, plant what makes sense for your uses, and above all, have fun as you do your part to conserve water while decorating your personal spaces.
