Herbs That Grow in Shade
25 products
Think you cannot grow herbs in a shady spot? Think again. Our collection of herbs for shade features over 25 plants that thrive in partial shade, dappled light, or sheltered positions. Whether you have a south-facing garden, a balcony that only gets morning sun, or a patch under the trees, these herbs will happily grow for you. Popular shade lovers include lemon balm, Vietnamese mint, and parsley.
At Herb Cottage, we have been helping Australian gardeners find the right herbs for every growing condition for over 30 years. Many of these shade-tolerant herbs actually prefer protection from the harsh Australian summer sun. All plants are sent via Express Post to arrive healthy and ready to plant.
Learn more about this collection
Why Some Herbs Prefer Shade
It is a common myth that all herbs need full sun to grow well. In reality, many popular herbs originated in woodland or forest-floor environments and naturally prefer filtered light. In Australia's intense summer heat, direct afternoon sun can scorch delicate leaves and cause plants to bolt. Herbs like gotu kola, brahmi, and sweet woodruff actually produce better foliage and stronger flavour when grown in partial shade or dappled light.
Best Shade Herbs for Australian Gardens
For kitchen gardens, curled parsley, Italian parsley, and sorrel are reliable performers in shaded spots. If you enjoy Asian cooking, Vietnamese mint, turmeric, and galangal all handle shade well and are wonderful in the kitchen. These tropical herbs are well suited to warm, sheltered spots under trees or beside fences where they receive bright indirect light.
Shade Herbs for Wellness and Tea
Several of our shade-tolerant herbs are traditionally used in herbal medicine. Lemon balm makes a soothing tea and thrives in partly shaded positions. Nettle is a nutrient-rich herb that grows vigorously in shaded, moist areas. Blue butterfly pea produces striking blue flowers that make a beautiful colour-changing tea. For something unusual, try the mushroom plant, which tastes like fresh mushrooms and grows happily in shade.
Growing Tips for Shade Herbs
Most shade herbs do best with 3 to 4 hours of morning sun or bright filtered light throughout the day. Keep the soil consistently moist, as shaded areas tend to dry out more slowly but can still suffer during hot, dry spells. A good quality mulch will help retain moisture and keep roots cool. Feed with a gentle organic fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season. Many of these herbs also do beautifully in pots on covered patios, verandas, and balconies. For more growing advice, visit our Grow Your Health blog. Please note that live plants ship via Express Post and cannot be sent to WA, NT, or TAS due to quarantine regulations.
