There’s nothing quite like stepping into a garden filled with the calming and uplifting scents of aromatic plants. For aromatherapy enthusiasts, growing your own fragrant herbs can be both therapeutic and practical. In our temperate climate here on the Island, a variety of aromatic plants flourish beautifully with just a little attention.
Whether you're a green-fingered gardener or a beginner looking to dip your toes into homegrown aromatics, here are five of our favourite aromatic plants to grow…
#1 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is arguably the queen of aromatic plants. Its relaxing, floral fragrance is synonymous with calm and tranquillity, making it a staple in aromatherapy for reducing stress, improving sleep, and easing anxiety.
How to Grow:
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers slightly alkaline conditions, so if your soil is acidic, adding some garden lime can help. Plant it in a sunny spot where it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
General Care:
Water young plants regularly until established, but after that, they’re drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. English lavender varieties like 'Hidcote' and 'Munstead' are best suited to UK climates.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
Lavender oil is used to soothe headaches, calm nerves, promote restful sleep, and relieve minor burns and skin irritations. It’s also wonderful as a bath soak or in linen sprays.
#2 Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary has a fresh, invigorating scent that stimulates the mind and body. In aromatherapy, it’s used to enhance memory, increase mental clarity, and relieve fatigue.
How to Grow:
Plant rosemary in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Raised beds or containers with gritty compost are perfect, especially in colder areas where winter drainage is critical.
General Care:
Water sparingly, Rosemary hates wet roots. Trim regularly to prevent it from becoming woody, and bring potted Rosemary indoors during very cold winters, as it can suffer from frost damage in exposed areas.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
Rosemary oil helps improve concentration and focus, making it ideal for study or work environments. It’s also used to alleviate muscle pain, boost circulation, and even stimulate hair growth when used in scalp massage blends.
#3 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile’s sweet, apple-like scent has long been associated with peace and relaxation. It's a go-to herb in aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
How to Grow:
There are two types of chamomile you can grow in the UK - German chamomile, an annual, and Roman chamomile, a hardy perennial. Both prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Roman Chamomile works well as a ground cover or lawn substitute.
General Care:
Water regularly, but don’t over-saturate. Harvest the flowers in early summer, just as they fully open. Regular deadheading encourages more blooms.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
Chamomile essential oil is used for reducing anxiety, aiding digestion, and promoting restful sleep. It's especially popular in evening bath blends and children's calming remedies.
#4 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
With its refreshing lemony scent, Lemon Balm uplifts the spirit while calming the nervous system. It’s a favourite in stress-relieving blends and has antiviral and mood-lifting properties.
How to Grow:
Lemon balm thrives in full sun or partial shade in rich, moist, but well-drained soil. It's a hardy perennial and spreads quite freely, so consider growing it in containers to keep it contained.
General Care:
Water regularly and cut back hard after flowering to promote fresh growth. You can harvest leaves anytime during the growing season. It self-seeds prolifically, so deadhead flowers if you want to limit its spread.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
Lemon balm essential oil (also called melissa oil) is prized for calming anxiety, soothing menstrual cramps, and supporting the immune system. It's often used in teas, balms, and massage oils.
#5 Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint has a crisp, clean scent that energises and refreshes. In aromatherapy, it’s used to relieve headaches, ease congestion, and soothe digestive troubles.
How to Grow:
Peppermint prefers moist, partially shaded conditions and rich soil. It’s best grown in containers, as it can spread aggressively through its underground runners.
General Care:
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth. In autumn, you can cut it back to the ground and it will regrow in spring.
Aromatherapy Benefits:
Peppermint essential oil is great for mental alertness and relieving physical tension. It's commonly used in headache rollers, decongestant rubs, and refreshing foot soaks.