Flowering herbs, these small, fragrant treasures have not always been so popular for nothing. They not only pamper the senses and the eyes, but also our palate. In the kitchen, most of them are simply irreplaceable and give the dishes even more delicious pizzazz. However, numerous healing powers are also hidden in the herbs. Thousands of years ago, healers and shamans already knew how to appreciate these and help people. You can also plant such valuable herbs in the garden or on the balcony and benefit from them in many ways. Today we will tell you which are our 10 favourites!
#1 Thyme
thyme (thymus vulgaris) is a herb with a distinct, sweet odor. The flowers, leaves, and oil are commonly used to flavor foods such as fish, salads, and cheese. Thyme is also considered to be very effective as medicine in the form of tablets, tea and decoction. The herb contains chemicals that can help with bacterial and fungal infections.
It also helps with coughing and has a powerful antioxidant effect. Although there is no scientific evidence for this, thyme is still used by some naturopaths for patchy hair loss, dementia and many other diseases.
#2 Thai basil
There are dozens of basil species that form beautiful flowers. But our favorite is clearly Thai basil. This exotic strain has a strong liquorice scent and shines with reddish-purple spikes that bloom in late summer. Thai basil needs a lot of sun and water. Make sure you give him plenty of both. In addition to beautiful flowers and a wonderful fragrance, the herb has a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and can successfully repel mosquitoes. By the way, cardinal basil is another beautiful variety with decorative inflorescences. Or just opt for traditional basil if you care more about the flavor and less about the flowers.
#3 Chamomile
With its daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers, chamomile is one of the sweetest and most popular herbs. The inspiring purity of chamomile also has a variety of beneficial properties and can be used in teas, homemade cosmetics and lotions or creams. When choosing your plants, keep in mind that there are two main types, German and Roman chamomile. Both strains grow well in similar conditions, thriving in cooler environments and partial shade. Like many other flowering herbs, chamomile is drought tolerant and requires no special care.
#4 Spearmint
Green mint (Mentha spicata) is one of the easiest flowering herbs to grow. But she can quickly take over your garden. So it’s a good idea to plant them in a pot to contain them. Alternatively, you can prune these back after flowering to stop the seeds from spreading. Mint grows in full sun or partial shade and you can pick the leaves as needed and add them to drinks or make a refreshing mint tea. The herb has an invigorating effect and is good for the stomach.
#5 Coneflower
The sunhat (Echinacea) enhances the beauty of all gardens with amazing clumps of sturdy stems adorned with pink flowers with orange-brown centers. They’re kind of like daisies. The plant loves water and thrives in areas along watercourses, but adapts well to most environments as long as you provide adequate watering. Echinacea blooms in midsummer and decorates the garden until late autumn. It is used as a treatment for cold or flu. In the cold season, simply brew some echinacea tea to combat any winter sickness. Alternatively, you can use the plant to make skin lotions or creams that treat the rash and other skin conditions.
#6 Chives
The chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is somehow quite similar to garlic and leeks and also belongs to the allium family. It is a beautiful perennial that requires little space in the garden. Chive flowers look like small puffballs with a pinkish-purple hue that will add to the beauty of your garden. As a spice, the delicious and slightly hot herb gives many dishes a wonderful taste. Use chives in salads or to flavor your dips. Create edible decorations and brighten up your outdoor space year after year.
#7 Anise
Anise is another amazing perennial to consider for your thriving herb garden. The plant is characterized by an erect, branched stalk that blooms in mid-summer. There are two types of anise that produce beautiful but quite different flowers. Traditional anise produces starry white flowers, while anise hyssop produces purple flower spikes resembling lavender. Both aniseed and aniseed hyssop attract pollinating bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, while the leaves and flowers emit an amazing fragrance. As a healing herb, anise has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.
#8 Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the most delicious kitchen herbs. This evergreen herb has a shrub-like appearance and dark green, needle-like leaves that resemble fir trees. The perennial blooms in summer and has either white or purple flowers. Although it doesn’t like too cold a climate, rosemary can be left outdoors year-round if you live in an area with mild winters. Like many other edibles, this herb is a real magnet for bees and pollinators, and a reliable mosquito repellent.
#9 Lavender
Lavender is probably the best known of all flowering herbs. With its characteristic deep purple flowers and its intense scent, lavender not only beautifies your garden, but also keeps annoying mosquitoes away. Like some flowering herbs, lavender is drought tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. It thrives in the garden or in pots and prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil. Lavender is grown primarily for its flowers, which are used either to flavor sauces, cakes, and teas, or in floral arrangements, or to make handmade cosmetics, candles, and potpourri. As a medicinal herb, the herb has a calming effect on the nervous system and may even help you sleep better.
#10 Bee Balm
Beetle is rightly so (Monarda Didyma) also called bee balm. Bees love their tasty nectar and are always happy to fly to their flowers. Besides its amazing flowers, Bee Balm is also edible. This perennial herb can be used to flavor salads and jellies or to brew tea.
Blossoming herbs not only give you a heavenly scent, but also provide a magnificent feast for the eyes. They also ensure you reliable help with many physical and mental ailments. Decorate your garden and balcony with these wonderful all-rounders!
Dill is also a flowering herb for the garden and kitchen
Flowering herbs magically attract bees and butterflies
Radiant colors and heavenly fragrance in the garden
