Chamomile and mint? They’re classics. But let’s be real - you want to go beyond the standard and try something unusual and new.

Now don’t worry, I’m not saying chamomile is boring or dull.  It’s one of my favorite herbs to grow in the garden.

But if you’re like me, you’re not content having just the regular tea herbs in your garden.

Alongside the steadfast tea plants, I also like to grow herbs that are more rare and diverse in flavor. It’s always a delight to have something a bit unexpected in the garden.

This guide will show you the world of obscure herbal treasures, perfect for those who love to grow, harvest, and blend their own teas. Specially curated for regenerative gardeners and herb enthusiasts, you're about to discover teas you won't find on store shelves.

Ready to expand your herbal horizons? Let's embark on this aromatic journey together.

Unique Herbal Teas to Grow: Overview

• Mexican Giant Hyssop: Zones 7-10
• Catmint: Zones 5-10
• Dittany of Crete: Zones 8+
• Fireweed: Zones 1-9
• Greek Mountain Tea: Zones 7-10
• Hops: Zones 4-8
• Jiaogulan: Zones 4-12
• Marshmallow: Zones 3-9
• Spotted Bee Balm: Zones 3-8
• Motherwort: Zones 3-9
• Navajo Tea: Zones 3-11
• Passionflower: Zones 7/8-11
• Plantain: Zones 3-12
• Schisandra: Zones 3/4-8
• Uva Ursi: Zones 2-8
• Wild Basil: Zones 4-7
• Wood Betony: Zones 5-9

Oh and: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Herbal teas may interact with medications or have side effects. Before consuming any herbal tea, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have any concerns, are pregnant, or are taking prescription medications.The teas discussed are intended for culinary and enjoyment purposes only, and are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Use caution and moderation when trying new herbal teas, and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Ideas for a Diverse Tea Garden: Herbal Details

Mexican Giant Hyssop (Agastache mexicana)

Zones: 7-10, grow as annual in colder climes

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Sun or dappled shade, drought tolerant

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: Anisey-mint with a hint of citrus

Also known as Hummingbird Mint, this plant is native to southwestern United States into Mexico. Not only will this plant make an excellent tea, but it will also attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in droves to your herb garden!

‍Sources: Strictly Medicinal Seeds, Balkan Ecology Project, Kaw Valley Greenhouses,  Plants for a Future

Catmint (Nepeta nepitella)

Zones: 5-10

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Sun, drought tolerant

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: Basil-mint, but with a lot of depth and complexity

While catmint or nepitella is a Mediterranean herb typically added to savory meals as a seasoning, I also like to dry it and add it to teas. It has a similar flavor profile and fragrance to catnip, but the lush purple blooms add some vibrance to the herb patch.

While it is in the same species as catnip, the leaves aren’t as fuzzy and I find that the bees are far more attracted to its purple-blue flowers.

In my experience, catmint doesn’t need much water, but doesn’t mind wet and damp winters, either.

Source: Pinetree Garden Seeds

Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus)

Zones: 8+, or cover/bring indoors in winter

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Sun, drought tolerant

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: oregano, thyme

Dittany of Crete is steeped in lore and history - even picked by Venus in Virgil’s Aenied to heal wounds (Open Artstor).

In my experience, dittany is a herb that delights the senses - it’s quite fragrant, its leaves are soft and fuzzy - quite like lamb’s ear - and its flower bracts are gorgeous chains of pink that mirror hops.

I’ve found dittany to be far more frost tender than oregano and a bit more particular to grow. I’ve had it die back completely after a string of several days in the low teens.

It likes well-draining soil, and so it would be a perfect herb to grow with lavender and rosemary as they also enjoy slightly rocky soil.

It will overwinter in warmer climates, or you can bring it in a pot indoors in colder zones (Kew Magazine).

Where to purchase: Mountain Valley Growers, Ginger’s Greenhouse (Etsy)

Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium)

Zones: 1-9

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Sun, drought tolerant

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: astringent

You might recognize this beautiful plant with tall spikes of pink blooms, as it grows as a wildflower in many areas of North America.

A pioneer plant, fireweed will establish itself in recently burned, logged, or otherwise disturbed areas of land.

This plant has been utilized by Native Americans as a fiber plant, much like nettles (Creatures of Habitat).

The leaves of fireweed are utilzed as a tea substitute, and has astrigent properties (Journal of Ecology). While this plant is prolific on roadsides, it’s a unique plant to grow in your herb garden.

Note that this plant can spread throughout your garden if not managed carefully. Each of its numerous flowers contains 200 seeds! Plant in containers and cut back the plant before it goes to seed in order to prevent its spread (FS USDA.

Fireweed seeds are available at Wild Seed Project, Seeds and Soil Farm, Prairie Moon

Greek Mountain Tea (Sideritis syriaca)

Zones: 7-10

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, well-draining rocky soil

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: earthy

A cup of Greek Mountain Tea is something to savor - its a full-bodied flavor that feels very grounding to me. Plus, the twigs are mullein-soft, which lasts through the drying process and is fun to put in your tea cup.

Instead of rounded leaves, however, Greek Mountain Tea has long leaves with pretty yellow flowers. This plant will grow around a 1.5 feet tall (Strictly Medicinal Seeds).

Strictly Medicinal Seeds mentions that these seeds need to be scarified with sandpaper and require light to germinate.

Purchase from: Strictly Medicinal Seeds

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Zones: 4-8

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, vining along trellis or fence

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: slightly bitter

While most people might associate hops with beer brewing, herbalists also utilize this gorgeous vining plant for its soothing and relaxing properties. It’s usually an overlooked plant for the herbal tea garden.

Its ability to evoke a chill vibe should come as no surprise once you realize it’s in the Cannabaceae family.

Hops makes for an excellent way to achieve seasonal shade in the garden. Grow it on a fence or trellis, and allow its leaves to shade out heat-sensitive plants.

As a bonus, hops are a host plant for the Red Admiral and Question Mark Butterfly (NCSU).

If you live in zones 4-8 but notice that your hops seem to have died during the winter - don’t worry. Typically the above-ground parts of the plant will die back to the ground each year, but will regrow with vigor in the spring. The rhizomes of hops can actually live for up to 50 years! (UCSC)

This plant can become invasive and is restricted from being ordered in Washington and Idaho. Seed requires 30 days cold stratification to germinate (Strictly Medicinal Seeds).

Buy from: Strictly Medicinal Seeds, Crimson Sage

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

Zones: 4-7 annual; 7-12 perennial

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, vining along trellis or fence

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: Sweet

A plant that was extremely hard to come by of in the United States until recently, Jiaogulan is known as an “Immortality Herb” in its native land of China.

This herb provides more than 80 different saponins, which some studies say can support the human body in ways classified as “anti-aging” (Crimson Sage).

Jiaogulan tea is one of my favorites based on flavor alone. All of the health benefits are just bonus reasons to grow this fascinating plant. I recommend digging some up to put in a pot to bring inside during the colder months below zone 8.

‍Grow your own Jiaogulan: Crimson Sage, Strictly Medicinal Seeds

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)

Zones: 3-9

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun to part sun

Parts to Harvest for Tea: rhizome

Flavor: sweet, demulcent

The rhizome of marshmallow makes for a deliciously sweet and thick “tea” that should be cold-brewed. To get the most out of this herb, you’ll want to put some in cold water and then let it steep in the refrigerator overnight. Strain, and enjoy!

Marshmallow water is one of my favorite summer drinks - its cooling and nourishing at the same time.

Plants may form just basal leaves in their first year, and will send up stalks in following years. Can grow up to 6 feet tall! Wait until year 2 and beyond to harvest roots for tea (Plant Good Seed).

Where to buy Marshmallow Seeds + Plants: Crimson Sage, Plant Good Seed

Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata)

Zones: 3-8

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, sandy soil

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: slightly minty-oregano sweet

A tall and vibrant herb native to North America, Spotted Beebalm is likely to be the centerpiece of attention in your garden - for humans and critters alike! (Semantic Scholar).

This herb is known to attract hummingbirds, specialist bees, the gray marvel moth, and butterflies like Karner Blue (NCSU, Prairie Moon).

Tall green stalks with pinkish-purple bracts that rest below yellow flowers that look like they’ve been splattered with red pain - thus the name “spotted” (LBJWC).

Where to purchase: Prairie Moon, Wild Seed Project

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Zones: 3-9

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: bitter

My motherwort plant brings me so much joy in the garden. Its quite vigorous - and even after dying back in the winter, it will grow above 6 feet tall come summer, with spiky pink blooms that attract bees in droves.

I cut the stems back just after the blooms appear to hang and dry in a well-ventilated area. Then, I strip the leaves from the stems to store for tea, or make into a fresh herb tincture with vodka.

Adaptive Seeds notes that motherwort needs cold stratification in order to germinate.

Get Motherwort Plant + Seeds: Planting Justice,  Hudson Valley Seed Company, Adaptive Seeds

Navajo Tea (Thelesperma filifolium)

Zones: 3-11

Lifespan: Annual or perennial in warmer climates

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, dry, sandy, rocky soil

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Taste: Smoky, sweet

Also known as Greenthread, Navajo Tea makes for a whimsical ornamental pollinator plant, medicinal tea plant, and dye plant - all in one!

Plus, it is a larval host for the Sulphur and Dwarf Yellow Butterflies (Crimson Sage).

While its known as greenthread, this herb actually turns into a yellow, orange, and salmon dye (Grand Prismatic Seed).

Navajo Tea has been a part of Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Zuni, and Pueblo traditions for millennia (Terroir Seeds, Crimson Sage).

Its flower petals are a bright yellow with brown-yellow centers, matching sunflowers in color scheme but at a much shorter height.

Strictly Medicinals notes that this plant needs 14-45 days of cold wet stratification to germinate.

Where to buy: Strictly Medicinals, Terroir Seeds, Grand Prismatic Seed, Crimson Sage

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)

Zones: 8-11

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, vining along trellis or fence

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Blooms only

Flavor: earthy, grassy, mildly sweet

While you might know passionflower for its fruit - also known as maypop - its actually the flower that is turned into herbal teas and tinctures.

It’s an elegant vine with uniquely shaped flowers that have splashes of vibrant indigo and violet colorings. If you’re in zones 7/8, I would mulch passionflower heavily to protect it in the winter, or grow it in a greenhouse if available. I’ve had a plant thrive all winter only to be killed off by some cold night temperatures in the low teens.

There are a few passionflower species out there, but the one herbalists turn to the most is Passiflora incarnata (Traditional Medicinals).

P. incarnata is not known to have tasty fruit - other species are better for fruit harvest (UFL).

Note that the leaves and unripe fruit of passionflower plants are toxic (passionflow).

Grow your own Passionflower: x

Plantain (Plantago major)

Zones: 3-12

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun, drought tolerant, poor soils

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: green, slightly bitter

Some of you may already be lucky enough to have plantain growing in your yard - in fact, you might see it as a nuisance!

As a regenerative bonus, plantain has the ability to soften hard clay soil, and can also prevent erosion (NCSU).

But plantain is worth a second look. In herbal medicine, it can be applied topically or dried into an herbal tea (healthline). It’s easy to grow, and doesn’t mind dry infertile soils or clay.

When plantain goes to seed, it sends up a visually interesting spike that will add a hint of visual interest to your garden. This plant is a welcome addition to an unconventional herb garden.

How to gt Plantago major seeds: x

Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)

Zones: 3/4-8

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Part shade, forest edges, well-draining but moistsoil, vining

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: acidic, sweet, tart

Schisandra is a berry plant that has a plethora of uses in Chinese herbal medicine.

The fruit can be dried and then added to teas or eaten like raisins. Harvest after a frost (PFAF).

If you have a part shade area of you garden where not much else will grow, try schisandra in that spot - they will grow well with very little sunlight (One Green World).

Buy Schisandra plants online: x

Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Zones: 3-12

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Full sun to partial shade, thrives in a wide range of soil types, including poor soils

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Flowers

Flavor: Mild, grassy, and slightly floral

Self Heal, also known as Heal-All, is a versatile and hardy herb that's as beneficial as it is beautiful. With its ability to thrive in poor soils, it's a low-maintenance choice for any garden.

The plant blooms into charming purple flower spikes that rise above its foliage in summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It's a garden ally, not only for its medicinal values but also for its contribution to your garden's ecosystem.

Prunella vulgaris can be enjoyed as a mild herbal tea that can be sipped for its soothing qualities.

To harvest Self Heal for tea, simply snip the flowering tops during blooming period. Usually, the same plant will then branch off and flower again for a second harvest. They can be used fresh, or dried and stored for out-of-season brewing.

For gardeners looking to grow a multifunctional plant that covers ground quickly, offers aesthetic appeal, and comes steeped in history, Self Heal is a perfect fit.

Purchase Seeds + Starts: x

Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Zones: 2-8

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: Part shade, forest edges, well-draining and drysoil, ground cover, evergreen

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: acidic, sweet, tart

Uva Ursi is a shade loving and cold-tolerant low bush that enjoys acidic and well-drained soils (Prairie).

While this plant produces a tart edible berry - the leaves are what is traditionally turn to for a nourishing tisane or tincture.

Grow uva ursi for an unusual edible plant, but also attract butterflies at the same time. The larvae of Hoary Elfin, Brown Elfiin, and Freija Fritillary all feed on uva ursi (NCSU).

Grow Uva Ursi: x

Wild Basil (Clinopodium)

Zones: 4-6

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: full sun to part shade

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves

Flavor: slightly savory sweet

A plant that has a history of topical, folk, and culinary applications especially in Bulgaria (Heliyon, Calscape).

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center notes that wild basil has a flavor “milder than those of the commercial basils” - which are technically in a different genus (Oncimum).

Short plants grow in clusters - like mint - and are topped with spiky globes of bracts that hold pink tubular flowers.

Purchase seeds from Experimental Farm Network

Other info sources: jerseyyards.org

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis)

Zones: 5-9

Lifespan: Perennial

Growing Preferences: full sun to part shade

Parts to Harvest for Tea: Leaves + blooms

Flavor: slightly bitter

One of my favorite spots in the garden is my newly established wood betony patch. I find Stachys officinalis to be extremely supportive for my body (and mind) and so this is one of the most useful herbs in my garden.

Rarely grown except by herbalists, wood betony has pretty stalks of pink flowers and forms in dense clumps in the landscape.

While the bloom time is just 3-4 weeks (UADA), wood betony’s long history of support for the body makes growing this herb worth it (commonwealth herbs).

Purchase plants and seeds: Crimson Sage, Strictly Medicinal,

Harvesting and Drying for Peak Flavor

The secret to the perfect cup of tea lies in the harvest. Timing, technique, and preservation are crucial. Here we'll delve into how to pick your herbs at the peak of their potency and the art of drying them to lock in their flavors and medicinal properties.

• Harvest Day: Herbs are traditionally harvested in the morning, after the dew has evaporated from the plants but before the heat of the day comes on. For best results, pick a sunny day, especially if the day prior was also free of rain.
• Herb Signals: Select lush leaves and just-opened flowers.
• Balanced Gathering: For tender plants, be sure to leave some of the plant behind so it can reestablish itself after you harvest. If the plant is known to spread, you can pick more robustly.
• Next Steps: As soon as possible, get the herbs into their drying spots. You can tie the herbs together in small bundles and hang them to dry in a well-ventilated space. Run a fan on them occassionaly to prevent mold. You can also use a drying rack for herbs or pasta, which have a mesh surface to lay the plants on. Stack leaves and flowers in a single layer for best results.
• Patience: Herbs are ready when they crumble between your fingers but are still vibrant and fragrant. Storing your herbs before this point can make them mold or go rancid.
• Storage Tips: I like to store herbs in clean and dry mason jars. Don’t forget to label your jars with the plant type and date. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Sustainable Cultivation Practices:

• Minimal intervention: For the most part, herbs are robust and have few pest and disease issues. If something does start to bother your plants, use natural remedies. Avoid synthetic chemicals to preserve your garden's organic integrity and to keep your harvested herbs organic.
• Seed saving: Harvest and store seeds from your healthiest plants, ensuring a cycle of sustainability and resilience in your herb cultivation.
• Diverse needs, unified solutions: While Mexican Giant Hyssop and Greek Mountain Tea relish well-draining soil, Marshmallow and Uva Ursi thrive with more moisture. Use organic mulch to regulate soil humidity and build raised beds where necessary to accommodate varied drainage preferences.
• Zone planning: Design your garden by zoning plants according to their needs. For example, place cold-hardy herbs like Schisandra and Wood Betony in the parts of your garden that may experience cooler temperatures, and situate sun-loving Navajo Tea and Passionflower in your garden's sunniest spots.

Herbal Tea Blending Guide:

Whether you're looking for soothing, invigorating, or restorative brews, I'll help you understand the principles of flavor balance and synergy, so your tea blends are both delicious and therapeutic.

Understand Herbal Flavor Profiles:

• Solo-Blends: Savor each herb on its own. Brew for 10 minutes, and taste. Take notes on how each plant is unique - is it bitter, strong, subtle, fragrant, or sweet? What color is the liquid? How do you feel while you’re drinking it?
• Categorize: Sort your herbs into flavor groups—minty, earthy, sweet, bitter, etc. This will be your blending blueprint.

Create Harmony:

• Start with a shining star: Choose a dominant herb—like the strong Wood Betony or the pungent Catmint—to act as your blend's foundation.
• Layer in complexity: Add complementary flavors, such as the earthiness of Greek Mountain Tea or the sweetness of Jiaogulan.

Balancing Herbs for Benefits:

• Target your needs: Want a digestive aid? Blend Plantain leaves with the gut-soothing Marshmallow root. Seeking relaxation? Combine the chill qualities of Passionflower with Motherwort.
• Seasonal shifts: Reflect the season in your blend—Navajo Tea’s sunny disposition brightens winter days, while Marshmallow’s cooling presence soothes summer's heat.

Tips for Personalizing Your Blend:

• Record your recipes: Keep a blending journal to track ratios and tweaks.
• Infusion exploration: Test different steeping times and temperatures to extract the best flavor profile from your blend.

Brewing Your Herbal Tisane:

• Start with cold, fresh water: The quality of your water can affect the taste of your tea. Bring it to the point when it just starts to boil.
• Ratio and rest: Generally, use 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs per mug of water, and let your tea steep for 10-15 minutes, depending on desired strength.
• Tools: A stainless steel french press will keep your brew hot and helps to filter out herbal particles. If brewing your tea directly in your mug, cover it with a heat-resistant plate to keep the warmth in.
• Taste as you go: Sip your brew at different stages to find the perfect steep time for your palate.

Further Resources for the Nerdy Gardener

Read my full guide to Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Get ideas for herbal garden layouts and plant combinations‍

See which herb seeds need cold straificaton with this spreadsheet

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