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Perennial Flowering Herbs & Edible Flowers

Many of the perennial flowers that delighted us all summer can add the warmth of spice and flavor to our kitchens all winter. We are all familiar with perennial herbs like rosemary and chives, but did you know that flowers like scented geraniums, hibiscus, and bee balm are perennial herbs with flavorful flowers? Aside from presenting colorful blooms and wonderful fragrance, the flowers from many perennial herbs can be harvested and steeped for a cup of winter tea to chase the chill of winter away. Herb gardening is a great hobby. If you lack garden space, you can have a great collection of homegrown herbs in your kitchen.

The easiest way to transport your perennial herbs indoors for the winter is to grow them in pots, but you may find that adding too many different sizes and types of pots makes your summer herb garden look unorganized and messy. In addition, potted plants frequently need extra watering since the plants can't draw moisture from the garden soil.

The solution is to plant perennial herbs in containers that you can sink into the ground. Sinking pots provides many benefits for both the herbs and the gardener. Your plants will be able to draw water and nutrients from your garden soil and the pot acts as a weed barrier. For invasive plants like many in the mint family, sinking pots keeps them in check. In the fall, pots can easily be dug, rinsed, and moved indoors for the winter.

Tender perennial herbs, like rosemary and hibiscus need to come indoors to avoid a harsh winter. However, just as setting plants outdoors in the spring, you'll have more success at maintaining growth and bloom if you acclimatize your perennial herbs before making a permanent move to your kitchen. Start by bringing your plants inside for an hour or two each day, increasing the time each day for a week or two to help them to adjust to the changes in temperature and light.

Make winter easier to live with by moving some perennial herbs into your kitchen and make a mental note to sink some perennial pots next spring to simplify your summer perennial herb gardening next season.

Download the complete Perennial Gardens in PDF.

Find detailed information about perennials sown throughout Gardening Guides. Learn all about bulbs, perennial seeds, and take a trip to a perennial farm. Check out our perennial garden plans and learn about shade-loving perennials.

Learn how to grow some of our favorite perennial flowers:

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Check Plants A to Z for information on how to grow all of your favorite cultivars!