Having a garden bursting with texture, color, flavors, and flowers is a wonder to behold for you and the pollinators. You might already have a few herbs and greens growing in pots on your porch or even have a whole garden bed devoted to growing edible, useful, and simply decorative plants.

Some plants that are common in gardens could come together to make a fine herbal tea garden. You could spare a section of your yard to start your tea garden or even begin a container garden dedicated to herbs that make wonderful infusions.

There is a herb for every mood and time of day. Imagine being able to tiptoe outside and pick leaves to make the perfect tea to suit your mood or soothe certain complaints.

1. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodora)

Lemon verbena is a marvelous plant that is native to South America. It is a woody bush that is perennial in frost-free climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.  It is a great addition to your tea garden as it is a very attractive plant with the most glorious smelling foliage. The leaves have a mouthwatering citrusy, and calming scent that is reminiscent of lemon sherbert.

You need to set your lemon verbena plants outside after the last frost of spring and plant them in a sunny spot. This bush can grow up to six feet high, so plan accordingly. Keep your plant well-watered but not saturated.

Lemon verbena leaves may be used dried or fresh to make a delicious cup of herbal tea. It is rich in antioxidants and is naturally anti-inflammatory. Lemon verbena leaves are often used to make a bedtime tea that promotes sound sleep.

Source: johnny A/Youtube

2. Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea)

Echinacea makes a great addition to a tea garden. It is stunning, the pollinators love it, the deer leave it alone, and it’s a perennial. Commonly known as coneflower, these plants can grow up to 3 feet tall. They prefer a sunny spot and are even somewhat drought tolerant.

If you plant echinacea from seed, you might have to wait up to three years for the plants to bloom, so perhaps a trip to the nursery will have you on your way a little sooner.

You may use the petals and the leaves of this plant to make tea. This tea is famed for having a positive effect on the immune system, making it a popular tea for fending off and even possibly shortening the duration of colds.

3. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula makes a gorgeous addition to your garden regardless of your intention to have it. It is an annual that self-seeds prolifically. It is very easy to grow and produces many blooms–perfect for making lots of tea!

Calendula is not a fussy plant and does not require too much attention. It can grow in a variety of soils and likes a sunny spot, though the flowers may last longer with access to some dappled shade.

A cup of calendula tea will give you a huge antioxidant boost and, as a result, help to promote healthy skin. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help with oral health and conditions such as gingivitis.

Source: Morag Gamble: Our Permaculture Life/Youtube

4. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

A tea garden without peppermint would be quite a shame. Peppermint is an extremely easy herb to grow—maybe a little too easy.  It famously spreads like mad and can quickly take over a space. You can simply grow your peppermint in pots if you want to avoid this.

This plant likes a sunny spot and likes to be kept watered. The best way to grow peppermint is to find someone willing to share a clipping. Just one clipping rooted in water (or even just shoved in the ground!) can give you all the tea you could dream of in a fairly short time.

A cup of peppermint tea is thought to ease digestive upset caused by gas or indigestion. It is also used for its calming effects and may even help to ease headaches (though peppermint oil used topically is the favored remedy). Due to the menthol in this plant, a cup of peppermint tea may help with symptoms of congestion and sinus issues.

5. Lavender (Lavandula spp)

Here is another plant that, while providing you with tea fodder, will beautify your garden and please the pollinators. Lavender is a very fragrant plant with stunning and abundant purple flowers.

Lavender will tolerate various growing conditions, but you will have the most success if you choose a sunny spot for your plant with well-draining soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 5 through 9 but will not enjoy a harsh winter or a super wet summer very much at all.

Lavender tea is famously used as a sleeping aid. It is thought to promote better sleep quality due to its calming effect. It is also believed to help calm stress and anxiety.

Source: Epic Gardening/Youtube

This is for informational purposes only. Always do your thorough research before consuming any herb and check for allergy information. Consult a medical professional before using herbs medicinally.  

Related Content:

• 9 Herbal Teas for the Cold and Flu Season
• How to Make Your Own Herbal Teas at Home
• How to Make Your Own Herbal Teas
• 5 Herbal Teas That Benefit the Body and Spirit
• Ultimate Guide to Herbs and Teas

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