Unusual & Striking New Herbs

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I need to start thinking about what I’m going to grow this year so decided to check out Richters Herbs to see what’s new. I’m completely blown away by some of the unusual new selections and thought I would share.

Wasabi — I don’t think I’m going to bother but some of you in more temperate climates on the west coast might try this.

Rhubarb Pie Sorrel (Rumex acetosa ‘Rhubarb Pie’) — I love growing sorrel if only because it is one of the first perennial herbs up in the early spring. I am definitely getting this one for the spectacular foliage. This will make a great edible container plant.

Huntington Carpet Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Huntington Carpet’ ) – This is a very unusual rosemary that would look great in a window box. Unfortunately it’s not hardy to my zone and would be too much of pain to bring in over the winter.

Fragrant Butterfly Lavender (Lavandula stoechas pedunculata ?Fragrant Butterfly?) – Ugh. As usual everything I’m interested in is not hardy to my zone 6 climate.

Dragon’s Blood Clover (Tifolium repens ?Dragon’s Blood?) – Here’s one I can grow. I’ve been debating back and forth for years whether to dig up and mulch over that small patch of “grass” left in the side garden, or whether to put in an easy ground cover. I tried some black clover a few years ago but it didn’t stand a chance against large dogs. If I can protect it long enough this clover may be the way to go.

Gayla Trail
Gayla is a writer, photographer, and former graphic designer with a background in the Fine Arts, cultural criticism, and ecology. She is the author, photographer, and designer of best-selling books on gardening, cooking, and preserving.

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4 thoughts on “Unusual & Striking New Herbs”

  1. wow, the rhubarb pie sorrel is lovely.

    interesting about the wasabi. i always thought it was horseradish… is it some kind of variant i wonder, or something we just don’t have growing naturally or never used in the west?

  3. I absolutely love that dragon’s blood clover, I was in love with it when I saw it.

    I almost gave wasabi a try last year, but the only place with any plants were asking $25. Too rich for my blood!

  4. You might check out highcountrygardens.com

    True, the plants are mostly for high-altitude high desert – however I know that people order these plants from all over including the east coast. There are tons of zone 5-6 plants, cause that is what we are gardening in here in Santa Fe.

    I know there are lots of lavenders and butterfly bushes – i’m not sure if there is Butterfly Lavender though.

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