15 Ornamental Herbs to Plant in June for a Lush, Eco‑Friendly Garden

Herbs are more than culinary staples—they’re living works of art that enrich a garden with color, scent, and ecological benefits. In June, many herbs reach peak growth, making it an ideal time to plant or replant ornamental varieties that will attract pollinators, deter pests, and add visual interest to borders and beds.

Lemon Balm ‘All Gold’

Botanical name	Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	12″–18″
Hardiness zones	3–7

‘All Gold’ boasts luminous chartreuse foliage that glows in direct sunlight. Its fragrant leaves are ideal for teas and culinary dishes, while its bold blossoms provide a striking visual cue for pollinators. Plant it in sunny borders or container gardens for an eye‑catching display.

Basil ‘Purple Petra’

Botanical name	Ocimum basilicum ‘Purple Petra’
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	24″
Hardiness zones	2–11

This basil is prized for its deep purple leaves that develop a subtle green tint as they age, creating a striking ombre effect. It offers a spicy, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with tomatoes. Grow one specimen for edible leaves and another as a visual focal point to please both chefs and bees.

Thyme ‘Magic Carpet’

Botanical name	Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	2–3″
Hardiness zones	4–9

While culinary thyme is common, ‘Magic Carpet’ is a true ornamental favorite. Its low, spreading habit and bright pink blossoms make it a perfect ground cover that also delights pollinators. The plant’s compact size suits rock gardens, pathways, and containers.

Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’

Botanical name	Salvia rosmarinus ‘Tuscan Blue’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	5′–6′
Hardiness zones	8–11

‘Tuscan Blue’ is a tall, upright rosemary that retains its aromatic foliage and provides an attractive backdrop in warmer regions. Its blue‑violet blooms are a boon for pollinators, and the plant’s drought tolerance makes it a low‑maintenance choice for sunny beds.

Oregano ‘Kent Beauty’

Botanical name	Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	6″–9″
Hardiness zones	6–9

‘Kent Beauty’ offers cascading stems crowned with rose‑pink bracts that are perfect for hanging baskets. Although its leaves lack strong culinary flavor, its ornamental value and light, herbaceous aroma make it a popular choice for accent planting.

Fennel ‘Smokey Bronze’

Botanical name	Foeniculum vulgare ‘Smokey Bronze’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	4′–6′
Hardiness zones	4–9

This bronze‑colored fennel is both a striking visual feature and an edible herb with a mild anise flavor. Its tall stature adds height to borders, while its beautiful blooms attract pollinators.

Chamomile

Botanical name	Matricaria chamomilla
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	1′–2′
Hardiness zones	2–8

Chamomile is a versatile herb that thrives in both gardens and pots. Its daisy‑like flowers create a cheerful backdrop, and the plant’s calming properties make it a popular choice for herbal teas.

Salvia ‘Black and Bloom’

Botanical name	Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Bloom’
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	3′–4′
Hardiness zones	8–10

Salvia is a classic ornamental herb, prized for its cobalt‑blue, tubular flowers that create a stunning visual contrast. Its drought tolerance and extended bloom period make it ideal for sunny beds and as a color accent.

Catmint ‘Walker’s Low’

Botanical name	Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	2′–3′
Hardiness zones	4–8

Catmint is a low‑maintenance herb that thrives in a range of climates. Its lavender‑blue blossoms bloom from late spring to early fall, offering continuous color and a subtle fragrance that pleases both eyes and ears.

Sweet Cicely

Botanical name	Osmorhiza longistylis
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	2′–3′
Hardiness zones	5–8

Sweet Cicely features lacy, fern‑like foliage and delicate white flowers that bloom in early summer. Its light licorice flavor and ornamental charm make it a delightful addition to borders and beds.

Anise Hyssop ‘Apricot Sprite’

Botanical name	Agastache aurantiaca ‘Apricot Sprite’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	1′–2′
Hardiness zones	6–9

‘Apricot Sprite’ offers vibrant salmon‑to‑coral flowers that enhance garden beds and attract pollinators. Its ability to thrive in hot summers and low maintenance makes it a versatile choice for many landscapes.

Garlic Chives

Botanical name	Allium tuberosum
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	1′–2′
Hardiness zones	4–9

Garlic Chives are valued for their ornamental flower heads and strong garlic aroma. Their dense foliage deters pests, while their edible leaves add subtle flavor to salads and soups.

African Blue Basil ‘Dark Opal’

Botanical name	Ocimum kilimandscharicum x basilicum ‘Dark Opal’
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	2′–3′
Hardiness zones	10–11

African Blue Basil is prized for its striking purple stems and aromatic leaves. Though not primarily culinary, its flavor can complement a range of dishes, and its vibrant blooms attract butterflies and bees.

Borage

Botanical name	Borago officinalis
Sun requirements	Full sun to partial shade
Height	1′–3′
Hardiness zones	2–11

Borage’s bright blue, star‑shaped flowers and edible leaves make it a staple in companion planting. Its ability to deter tomato hornworms adds functional value to vegetable gardens.

Fernleaf Lavender

Botanical name	Lavandula multifida
Sun requirements	Full sun
Height	2′–3′
Hardiness zones	8–11

Fernleaf Lavender is a premium ornamental herb with silvery, fern‑like foliage and bright, blue‑violet flower spikes. Its subtle camphorous scent and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for dry, sunny beds and borders.