Herb Garden Plants

Archive for the ‘herb garden plants’ Category

Aconitum napellus (Ranunculaceae)

Description
A majestic plant sporting unforgettable blue blossoms which bloom in mid summer season.  This stately garden perennial achieves a height of 60 cms (2 ft) with unique green firm leaves placed horizontally and deeply separated. One of several garden cultivars really worth developing with regard to herb garden beautification is ‘Bressingham Spire’, reaching a height of 90 cms (3ft).

The specific title napellus means ‘little turnip’ and represents the particular form of the underlying tuber. Every root lasts just 12 months; a new child produced alongside the parent tuber preserves the plant. Every aspect of the plant is utilized; the top level growth is usually gathered in summer season and the root during autumn or fall.

History
A very poisonous plant native to mountainous areas throughout northern temperate areas, monkshood was grown as a therapeutic plant for many years. Monkshood provided a toxin employed for tipping arrows as well as baiting wolves around medieval Europe, therefore earning them the name of ‘Wolf’s Bane’. Afterwards it became referred to as ‘monkshood’ and also ‘helmet flower’ in recognition of its hooded blossom. Winthrop’s seed order from America in 1631 calls it ‘munkhoods’.

Usage
It’s toxicity necessitates that it always be prescribed exclusively under professional medical supervision. Homeopathic products are utilized in the treatment of sciatica as well as neuralgia since the drug acts on the central nervous system.

Cultivation
Plant the seed the moment it is ripe, while taking care not to assume impressive results since the plants tend to be sluggish to set up via seed. Separating a new child tuber and planting it out in the autumn (fall) is going to be faster and most likely more profitable.

Planting may be performed relatively late into the winter, nonetheless it needs to be done prior to the stem bud bursting into emergence – which takes place quite soon in the spring. Pick a well spaded moisture-retentive environment someplace where you can find dappled shade.

Monkshood prefers the less humid zones and it is winter season hardy, but it may require overhead shelter in low temperature locations.

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Polygala species (Polygalaceae)

Description
Diminutive but gorgeous little herb garden plants, milkworts are well worth the trouble involved in sourcing them, as they make a fine addition to the border of any garden; both for their size (400 to 500mm) and their impact. Milkwort forms its own little family groupings and gives a very fine showing when these are established. The purple/blue flowers (British plants) pirouette above their supporting ground level foliage, for all the world like blue bees busily at work and are at their best from latish Spring until midsummer. Roots are small and convoluted.

History
The genus is named after its supposed virtue of visibly increasing milk yield in cows when they graze on milkwort. Numerous species are extant, preferring well drained banks, grasslands, hillsides and heathland. P. vulgaris is the variety most commonly seen in British herb gardens; other varieties are grown but are rare. The variety indigenous to The United States has white flowers and is called P. senega after the Seneca Indians; these plants favour a drier, more rocky environment than their British cousins.

The Seneca Indians were observed to use the stored milkwort roots to treat rattlesnake bites. A medical doctor in Pennsylvania further observed that the symptoms of snakebite appeared similar to those experienced by people suffering from severe respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Subsequent experiments led to the American plants being introduced to Britain in the mid 18th century and being recognised as a unique member of the milkwort clan as healing herbs in their own right. Other family members were discovered to have similar virtues and their roots were successfully used in the same way as P. senega.

Usage
The roots are used in various healing potions, although their popularity is now waning. Extracts and teas are still used for a tonic, as a mild laxative and as a remedy for bronchial congestion. Note that their is some doubt regarding their reputation for increasing milk flow in nursing mothers.

Cultivation
Propagate by root division of an existing plant is the practical method, as seeds are scarce. Generally speaking a well drained alkaline soil will suit most milkworts.

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Convallaria majalis (Liliaceae)

Appearance
Herb garden plants named after their tendency to thrive in deep wooded valleys, these are found in most temperate areas in many parts of the northern hemisphere. In America Convallaria montana is cultivated to produce an even finer type of bloom. Consider these when looking for lily-of-the-valley herb garden plants for inclusion in your line up. The rhizomes tend to migrate and form thick mini copses. Pairs of broad spear shaped leaves accentuate hanging bell-like blooms from late in the Spring.

History
Many rural remedies were based on steeping lily-of-the-valley for cardiac conditions. Gerard was familiar with these herb garden plants and extolled their virtues thus: ‘The flower of the Valley Lillie distilled with wine . . restoreth speech unto those that have the dum palsie and are falne into the Apoplexie’. The holistic and herbal approach to practical remedies, as well as the famous doctrine of signatures, appears once again to have paved the way for modern science: modern convallamarin became a very important 20th century cardiac treatment drug.

Usage
Powdered flowers are a potent compound for tinnitis, vertigo and ear infections. claimed to clear the head of nasal mucus, thus relieving ear noises, vertigo and chronic inflammation of the ears. The heady scent of the flowers of the lily-of-the-valley make these a highly desirable potpourri ingredient. Gerard claimed it had the virtue of strengthening the memory. The potted plants make an attractive indoor feature.

Cultivation
The crowns often take some time to become established and may even refuse to strengthen if they are not happy. Try and replicate the natural conditions where they thrive – they need a dampish rich soil and and some shade to prosper. Take an established clump of roots in autumn, split up the roots and corms and use the healthiest for re-potting in some good peat compost – place in a sheltered spot for best results. Split up roots after flowering and plant out the roots having visible growth buds. (Best done in summer.) Use conditions as listed above to achieve the best results for your new herb garden plants.

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Herb Garden Plants – Lemon Verbena
Aloysia triphylla (Lippia citriodora) Verbenaceae

Appearance:
One of the lesser known but truly essential herb garden plants, lemon verbena commonly grows to about 1.5 to 2m tall with a wide spread. Our 30 year old lemon verbena now dwarfs the house and needs frequent trimming. The pale green leaves make a lovely showing and afford shade to smaller plants. Standing close to the plant will immediately reveal the origin of its name.

History:
Prized for centuries due to the pungent lemon like fragrance exuded by its leaves, lemon verbena is amongst the most fragrant of herb garden plants; it was brought from South America by the Spanish around the seventeenth century. Lemon verbena was given its name for its aroma, and it is a name that has persisted. One wonders if the citizens of South America call our lemon something like “verbena fruit” in return.

• Usage – everyday:
• Originally imported mainly for its oil, lemon verbena is prized for several other virtues:
• An aromatic addition to finger bowl water.
• The dried leaves retain their scent for a very long time and can be used in potpourri.
• Branches and fresh leaves of these herb garden plants can be put into airing cupboards and wardrobes to keep clothes and linen freshly aromatic.
• Crush lemon verbena leaves in almond oil makes an oil used for aromatherapy massage.
• Blending with other fragrant oils for handmade cosmetics.
• Add to bath water in a sachet for an aromatherapy experience.
• Hang branches in saunas to permeate the wood paneling with a wonderful fragrance.
• The leaves may be finely chopped for use in hot drinks, cakes, puddings and jellies.
• Chopped leaves work marvelously well sprinkled on fish while cooking; or add a small sprig to give bland foods like oatmeal and rice a lift.
• Lemon verbena shrubs attract butterflies to the garden and they often grown as herb garden plants for this purpose alone.

Usage – medicinal:
Leaves can be infused to make a gentle sedative tea to soothe chest and nose congestion, indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps and nausea. Use about 10 leaves to a cup of boiling water, sweeten with honey and drink after meals.

Cultivation:
Lemon verbena loves sunshine as well as a bit of shelter. (A sunny corner is ideal.) These semi-hardy herb garden plants are grown mostly in greenhouses or indoors in colder climates. Protect outside plants with a light covering in regions susceptible to frost.

Ideal soil is sandy, tending to alkalinity and having good drainage. Lemon verbena thrives in poor soil.

To propagate, take summer cuttings with a small heel and trim off all but the topmost leaves; place these firmly into a moist sandy growing medium. Keep in a cool shaded place and keep soil slightly damp. Plant out into hessian or plastic bags when rooting has taken place and allow to grow until well established but not bursting at the seams. Plant out to between 1 and 2m. Regular pruning will encourage growth and produce a healthier plant.

Harvesting:
One of the least demanding herb garden plants, you can harvest lemon verbena leaves at will. Branches are a bit brittle and will benefit from trimming back to prevent breaking in high winds or from sheer weight.

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Hyssopus officinalis (Labiatae)

Appearance
Popular both as sectional edging or container inmates, hyssop is an attractive, if attenuated, sweet scented evergreen. It sports minute leaves and has little lilac-blue blossoms which give a fine show from the middle of summer onwards.

History
I read recently that William Turner was cognisant of hyssop. He authored the first ever English-language book on English plants. This was circa 1558 and I quote “the brethe or vapour of Hisop driveth away the Winde that is in the ears, if they be holden over it”.

A native of the warmer parts of Europe and the Mediterranean rim, hyssop is mentioned in the bible. These popular herb garden plants started their eastern migration in the 11th century and were established in Britain around the 14th century as popular herbs. Thereafter they were taken to the New World by settlers.

Memorably aromatic, they were very important medieval herb garden plants grown for their function as one of the standard strewing herbs. Notably, oil of hyssop was used in the Chartreuse blends and was certainly as highly regarded and in demand as the better known oil of lavender.

Usage
The volatile oils extant in hyssop were well known to the American colonists as a specific remedy for catarrh and rheumatism as well as being an antiseptic. Hyssop flowers make a tea used for easing of catarrh, another delivery medium being by way of crushing and introducing into a herb-based pipe tobacco.

Apart from the traditional usage as strewing herbs through its aromatic virtues, hyssop is popular in potpourri recipes, adding a distinctive almost incense-like tinge to a potpourri. Hyssop was one of the most important herb garden plants for the earlier settlers, who were sometimes cut off from their peers and medical attention for long periods.

Cultivation
Grow hyssop through spring cuttings or seeding. After sprouting roots, plant cuttings in a peat mixture somewhere shady enough to stay moist. Deceptively hardy plants, they will nevertheless benefit from a well drained soil in their beds, window boxes or containers. These are herb garden plants that benefit from apicular pruning in autumn to bush out better in summer.

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Glechoma hederacea (Labiatae)

Appearance
Ground Ivy has small lilac/pink flowers with very tiny reddish spots; they seldom exceed 120mm in height and display themselves over rather lush variegated supporting leaves which run across the ground, taking root in a wider and wider area when uncontrolled. The leaves of these herb garden plants are similar in shape and appearance to a conventional ivy – hence the name ground ivy. Not only will the ground ivy reward you with its own prettiness, but will also invite butterflies to flit about the garden.

History
A native of Northern climes, it was certainly used in Saxon times as records exist indicating its usage in clearing ales during the brewing process. Ground Ivy has, over the centuries marched across Europe and Britain yard by yard and is currently invading the United States from the East. Its virtues make it a popular addition to gardens where it is often used as an inhibitor of weeds as its dominance brooks no rivals.

Usage
The plants were fairly widely cultivated as herb garden plants for their apparent detoxification virtues. All portions of the ground ivy possess a bitter taste but lovely aroma; powdered ground ivy was included in snuff mixtures to relieve headaches and clear sinuses. Before the advent of lead free paint, American house painters cultivated ground ivy as essential herb garden plants – they used them in a tea – called gill tea after the French ‘guiller’(roughly to ferment beer). This tea was thought to be an antidote to inflamed eyes and the common malady of ‘lead colic’ experienced by painters of the time. Gill tea was a specific remedy for hacking coughs and popularly used as a blood tonic.

Cultivation
Although seeds are available, ground ivy propagates very easily from a piece of its squarish root simply pulled off the host plant; no special measues at all are required when taking cuttings from these plants. Although not fussy herb garden plants, ground ivy will thrive in heavy dampish soil with a modicum of sun.

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Digitalis purpurea (Scrophulariaceae)

Appearance
One of the taller herb garden plants, the foxglove attains from 1 to 2m (3′ to 6′) in height and provides an early to midsummer flower show. It has tongue-shaped, deeply veined, soft and dark green attractive foliage, but its real crowning glory is its hanging steeple of purple/red bell-like flowers with a spotted inner face.

History
The stuff of mystery novels and intrigue, the Foxglove has an ancient provenance; it certainly goes back at least as far as the Anglo-Saxons. Its virtue of as a cardiological regulatory measure was only recognised by a Dr. Withering in the 18th century. the venerable Gerard counted it as one of his essential herb garden plants and recommended it as a poultice for severe bruising and external wounds. The migration to the New World of Foxglove was only accomplisher after the virtues involving the heart were recognised and publicised. Truly a wonder drug of the day, with its toxicity making it a Jekyll and Hyde amongst herb garden plants.

Usage
The cardiac glycosides extant in and obtained from Foxglove are used therapeutically in the treatment of cardiac failure, because of their anti-arrhythmic effects. As far as we can establish, no commercial synthetic drug has yet successfully superseded the cardiac glycosides that are obtainable from the foxglove and a few other sources. In spite of its extreme toxicity to man, its virtues give it an overweening importance as an absolutely essential healing medicinal herb.

Other sources of cardiac glycosides:
Plants.

• Strophanthus – ouabain
• Digitalis lanata – digoxin, digitoxin
• Nerium oleander – oleandrin

Animals.

• Bufo toads

Cultivation
The Foxglove it is a true biennial – its rosette of leaves is forms during the first year and the flower spike the second; thereafter the plant dies, but leaves a legacy in the form of a brood of offspring around it. It has been observed that a late-season rosette may hang in there for the second year and flower in the third.

Foxglove grows easily from seed, and once established there will always be some offspring about, in fact the Foxglove has a set pattern of broadcasting its seed to populate its patch with successive generations. Good rich soil with leaf mould makes the Foxglove a happy plant – although dappled shade tolerant, it prefers siting in full sun. A winter mulch of pine needles should be applied after the ground has frozen. Plants living in damp soil should be transferred to growing frames during winter for Spring replanting.

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Oenothera biennis (Onagraceae)

Description
Like Cinderella, this slightly tatty daytime herb garden plant transforms into an evening beauty with drooping pale yellow flowers and a heady fragrance, thus the name evening primrose. Flowers start in early summer and give a good showing until nearly mid-autumn (Fall) Over the summer/autumn transition period, flowers will display throughout the day. Thickets of evening primrose, with their red stem bases will reach up to 1.37m (4’6″) in height.

Some types will both produce fragrance and display during the day, so check with your local nurseryman.

Although its reputation as a healing herb is justifiably gaining ground, this herb garden plant is also prized for its long flowering season and intrinsic beauty.

History
Common names include moon flower, primrose tree, moths and night willow. An indigenous plant of America, known to grow from Labrador in the North to the Southern states and as far West as Colorado.

Evening primrose is reputed to have arrived in Europe around 1625 via its seed being mixed in with the ballast soil used in the sailing ships of the 17th century.

Usage
Originally, extracts from the bark, stem and leaves from this herb garden plant were used as an astringent, for nervous disorders, as sedatives and as an aid to digestive aid. Now the essential oil is extracted and has a gained a reputation as being a natural remedy for aiding nervous disorders, including multiple sclerosis.

Cultivation
Sow seed either in late Spring directly into your prepared bed for flowering the following year or sow as soon as the soil has warmed in early Spring. In the latter case, transplant the seedlings for a good chance of flowers by late season the same year. The fleshy roots like to grow deep, so provide a good depth of soil.

Once established, self seeding will ensure lots of fresh evening primrose seedlings around the garden ready for transplanting in early summer.

Evening primrose is a wonderful plant and an asset to all but the tiniest gardens.

Bulbinella or bulbine

Liliaceae

Appearance
Several varieties of Bulbinella Frutescens exist, some with long, thin racing green leaves, and some having a more yellowish leaf. The most common one is the yellow-flowered plant which looks a bit like a garlic chive but has round succulent leaves and grows to about 150mm (6ins)This is the bulbinella most commonly used as herb garden plants in many gardens as well as in rockeries.

History
Bulbinella has long been considered the pharmocopeia plant of the herbal world; the fleshy leaves yield a jelly like sap that has multiple virtues and applications – as you will see under the ‘usage’ section. Bushmen and iron age dwellers of Southern Africa knew and understood its virtues. It has long been a part of the traditional healers arsenal.

Usage

1. Medicinal Usage – Express some sap from a leaf to get immediate relief from:

• Eczema
• Fever blisters
• Blisters
• Pimples
• Burns
• Rashes
• Itchy spots
• Cracked skin
• Cracked lips
• Cold sores
• Mouth ulcers
• Sores and rashes on domestic and farm animals
• Painful insect stings

2. Aesthetic Usage

Although referred to as herb garden plants, bulbinella is also regarded as a valuable landscaping plant for its reliable growth pattern and bright all year round colour. Drought and pollution resistant, it is almost impervious to frost.

3. Cosmetic Usage

Just like the better known and much vaunted Aloe Vera, extracts of bulbinella sap can be used as a basis for skin creams.

Cultivation
Bulbinella is a gardeners dream; simply split a bunch and replant without missing a beat. Wind resistant, drought tolerant and a prodigious grower – bulbinella is all this and more. Equally responsive to landscapers filling those awkward spots where nothing else can thrive and to apartment window sills, bulbinella responds well to light composting and regular watering and will reward the diligent gardener with hosts of flowers.

Propagation
Propagation is so easy that I feel guilty about including a sub-heading on the subject. Split a bunch of bulbinella and plant out or break off a leaf and plant. How about that.

Harvesting
Help yourself whenever you want but stop short of denuding the plant.