Zone 5 perennials boast some heady aromatic plants
According to the United States National Arboretum, zone 5 (a and b) is designated as having a -20 to -10 F hardiness range. Zone 5 perennials withstand colder temperatures in both spring and fall, growing best during the months between. Many aromatic perennials (generally defined as lasting more than three seasons) thrive in the mid-range conditions of a zone 5 area; some requiring very little maintenance and attention. Aromatic plants, if harvested regularly, can be used fresh or dried.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) with its strong lemon scent is a favorite perennial. The bright green foliage is used fresh and dried for cooking, crafts, essential oils and air freshener. The hardy lemon balm thrives in zones 4 and 5 growing quickly in partial sun and moist soil conditions. The aroma of the lemon balm weakens when it gets too much sun, drying out its leaves. Harvesting the leaves encourages more growth. Hang bunches of the leaves in a cool dry place or on a drying rack for use off-season.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) scents the air with a fresh and strong fragrance commonly associated with Italian foods and pizza. A hardy perennial, oregano thrives in zone 5 but has had some success in colder areas. Plenty of sun and a good soil and oregano will give you a bountiful harvest, well suited to drying or freezing if fresh isn't an option. Oregano has many cultivars, and some produce a bitter flavor, while others taste woody, but the most common cultivar has a sweet and exotic flavor. Oregano dries best on a rack. Ensure its completely dry before storing; mold can develop if moisture is present.
Echinacea
Echinacea fills the air with the scent of honey when the purple coneflowers are in bloom. An aromatic addition to any garden, this hardy perennial thrives in conditions from zone 3 to 10, according to Edgewood College. The coneflower's roots, leaves and flower tops have frequent use in herbology and natural remedies for a boosting of the body's immunities. The scent is strong when the flowers first open and the tea or infusion of echinacea blossoms has a light scent of woody honey. The echinacea grows quickly and with little maintenance, but does thrive better when the soil around its stems is kept weed free. Echinacea E. purpurea is the most common and general favorite of the cultivars.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is fragrant in the field, dried and in sachets and potpourri. The vivid purple flower tops dry well, staying intact and still strongly scented. This hardy perennial from the United Kingdom needs little attention, no fertilizers and grows in nearly impossible conditions including rocky soils and rough terrain. Generally, lavender thrives in zones 5 to 8. The stall stems tower above the leaf line, accenting the color of the fragrant blooms. Lavender grew popular during the Victorian period for its heady fragrance.
Tags: hardy perennial, flower tops, fresh dried, lemon balm, little maintenance, most common, thrives zones