Herb Plants for Zone 5

Herbs Plants for Zone 5 From the Growers Exchange


Most herbs grown in gardens across the U.S. originate in the sunny and warm Mediterranean. For this reason, they do best in similar climates but die when exposed to frost. Fortunately for gardeners in Zone 5, many herbs thrive even in moderately cold winters.  

The Growers Exchange proudly carries a wide selection of high-quality herbs for Zone 5 gardens. These cold-hardy herbs include culinary, medicinal, aromatic, rare and exotic plants. We offer only the highest quality Zone 5 herbs grown without harmful chemicals.


The Best Herbs for Zone 5


When choosing the best Zone 5 herbs, it is essential to select species that are hardy to at least Zone 5. At The Growers Exchange, we provide zone information on all our herbs to help our customers make the best choice for their indoor or outdoor gardens.

The following are some of the best Zone 5 herbs you can plant.


Anise Hyssop

If you’re looking for annual and perennial herbs for Zone 5 gardens, you can't go wrong with anise hyssop. It has a lifespan of about three years and will self-sow in ideal conditions if given proper care.

Despite its name, anise hyssop is not related to the anise seed or star anise. Instead, it is a member of the mint family. However, the leaves have a fragrant aroma reminiscent of anise. For this reason, anise hyssop leaves and flowers are used to make herbal tea or even incorporated into cocktails and smoothies.

Anise hyssop is also a good option for those who want ornamental perennial herbs for Zone 5 gardens. This plant blooms from mid-summer to fall, showing off pretty purple spikes. Anise hyssop is also a pollinator, attracting bees to your outdoor garden. In fact, The Growers Exchange uses this herb in its fight against Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Anise Hyssop needs:
  • Full sun
  • Well-drained soil
  • Watering when the soil begins to look dry


Italian Oregano

Italian oregano is a culinary herb that’s a must for gardeners who also love to cook. Its leaves have a robust and spicy flavor that lends well to various Italian dishes.

Oregano has also been used in traditional medicine for many years as an herbal remedy for everything from coughs and colds to dandruff. The herb is packed with antioxidants, and its essential oils are known for their antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Italian oregano is native to the Mediterranean but thrives in Zones 5 to 11. It can easily be grown in indoor, outdoor and container gardens, making it ideal for beginner gardeners.

Italian oregano needs:
  • Full sun
  • Watering when the soil feels dry to the touch
  • Well-draining soil


Provence Lavender

Provence lavender has the heat tolerance of Portuguese lavender and English lavender’s cold hardiness. It stands to reason, as it’s a hybrid of both. This fast-growing, fragrant herb produces sweet-smelling purple blooms. It is drought-resistant and an excellent pollinator, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

Lavender buds can be dried to make potpourri and sachets for drawers and closets. They can also be used to add fragrance to scented products like perfumes, candles and soap.

Provence lavender needs:
  • Full sun
  • Infrequent watering once established (every two weeks)
  • Loose, well-draining soil
  • Good circulation
  • Plenty of room to grow


What Is USDA Zone 5?


Zone 5 is one of the thirteen climate zones in the USDA’s plant hardiness zone map. Areas in Zone 5 experience mild summers and cold winters with an average minimum temperature of -20°F to -10°F (-28.9°C to -23.3°C).

States have more than one zone because of factors such as topography and climate. Generally, however, Zone 5 begins in the Northeastern United States and includes parts of the following states:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • New York            
  • Ohio      
  • Oregon 
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota    
  • Utah     
  • Vermont              
  • Virginia
  • Washington        
  • West Virginia     
  • Wisconsin           
  • Wyoming

Discover More Herb Gardening Tips and Tricks


The Growers Exchange is not just a source of high-quality herbs for Zone 5 gardens. We’re also a source of information to empower gardeners of all skill levels.

For this reason, we provide a free exchange of gardening information with our customers. You can find resources on our blog, ranging from general herb gardening advice to herb preservation methods. We believe that gardening has the power to enrich lives, and we aim to share our passion and knowledge with you.

Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic and Rare Herbs Delivered to Your Doorstep


The Growers’ Exchange provides the finest quality herbs that are healthy, thriving and ready for planting. Browse our selection, and place your order today. 

Please Note: We sell plants online, NOT seeds. Our plants are well rooted and ready to plant - our standard pot is 3.5 inches. After you buy, we will ship our plants when they are ROOT READY. They will have good top growth unless they are coming into or out of dormancy. We grow all of our plants to the point that they are ready to go into the ground or a container.