If your herb garden begins and ends with basil, parsley, and maybe some mint — you’re missing out. There’s a whole world of less common herbs that are just as easy to grow and surprisingly useful in your kitchen, tea mug, medicine cabinet, and even cleaning routine.
This guide dives into 11 underrated herbs that are beautiful, beginner-friendly, and full of purpose. Whether you have a big backyard or just a windowsill, these unusual picks will freshen up your garden — and your everyday routine.
🌿 1. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a light citrus scent that bees adore and people love in tea. It’s known for its calming properties and can even help with digestion and sleep.
- Use fresh in teas, salad dressings, or to infuse water.
- Dry the leaves for herbal sleep blends.
- Rub fresh leaves on skin as a natural mosquito repellent.
How to grow: Thrives in full sun to part shade. Will spread quickly like mint — so grow it in containers if space is tight.
🪴 2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage has fuzzy leaves and bright star-shaped blue flowers that taste faintly of cucumber. Bees love it, and it’s often grown as a companion plant to tomatoes and squash.
- Add edible flowers to salads or freeze in ice cubes.
- Steep leaves in tea for adrenal and anti-inflammatory support.
- Chop fresh leaves into cold soups or yogurt dips.
How to grow: Full sun, self-seeds readily. Tolerates poor soil and looks stunning in cottage gardens.
🌱 3. Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Popular in Japanese and Korean cooking, shiso (also called perilla) has large ruffled leaves with an herbal-citrus-basil flavor. There are green and purple varieties — both edible.
- Use like lettuce for wraps and sushi rolls.
- Pickle it for a tangy garnish.
- Add to rice bowls, stir-fries, or even lemonade.
How to grow: Needs warm temps and moist soil. Can grow up to 3 feet tall. Start indoors in cooler climates.
🌼 4. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
This North American native is both ornamental and functional. Its lavender flower spikes smell of licorice and attract loads of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Use leaves and flowers in tea for respiratory support.
- Crumble dried flowers into shortbread dough or granola.
- Steep in honey or vinegar for a flavored infusion.
How to grow: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant once established.
🍃 5. Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata)
Also known as rau răm, this tropical herb tastes like a spicy version of cilantro — without the soapiness some people dislike.
- Add fresh to pho, salads, or summer rolls.
- Use in place of cilantro in salsas or chutneys.
- Infuse into oils or broths for added depth.
How to grow: Loves heat, humidity, and wet soil. Great for pots or raised beds with consistent watering.