Not Basil: The Hardy Herb That Thrives In A Rock Garden

If you're looking for some hardy herbs to add to your rock garden, basil is definitely not one of them, as it generally prefers moist, rich soil, and doesn't like to dry out. However, lucky for you, there is an interesting herb that you can grow in that rocky space, because this herb 1) needs well-drained soil, and 2) is drought-tolerant once established. It's the herb favored by French chefs known as tarragon (Artemisia dracuncul).

Tarragon is actually a perennial herb, with an origin that traces to Asia and Europe, as well as the central-western parts of North America. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, so it has quite a wide range. It won't do well in more southern regions, though, as it doesn't like humidity. On the other hand, it's not fond of cold, wet winters either, which is why it's absolutely perfect for your arid rock garden.

To get the most flavor from the leaves, you will probably want to grow French tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus var. sativa). The narrow, slightly twisted leaves have a flavor that's often compared to anise. This variety is sterile, which means it doesn't produce any seeds. This means you'll need to get a young plant from your local garden center. Tarragon is also an herb that you can propagate in winter indoors using cuttings.

The best time to plant tarragon in your garden is in spring, as this gives it plenty of time to become established before any cold weather hits. If you're planting more than one, know that this herb will spread about 12 to 15 inches, so space your seedlings or transplants accordingly. Tarragon can reach a height of up to 3 feet, but cutting it regularly will keep it more compact if you wish. You can add a little compost to your soil before planting, but tarragon doesn't need a lot of nutrients to grow well. As long as the soil has good drainage, it should thrive.

This plant has a fairly shallow root system, so add water regularly in the beginning until the roots have had time to get established. After that, you should only have to water once a week if there's been no rain at all. When purchasing these plants for your garden, be aware that there are actually two different types of tarragon. There's also Russian tarragon, which is much less flavorsome and can be grown from seed. It's also slightly more hardy, so if you don't mind the loss of intense flavor, it could be one to consider.

At the end of the day, if you want to add some edibles to your rock garden, this is one underrated herb to try planting this year. (Check out other low-maintenance perennials that can transform your sunny rock garden.)