When supermarket herbs are a bit 'hmmm'… our home-grown botanicals are the antidote.
As RHS Master Growers 2026, we know that a great garden (and a great drink) starts with superior plants. We've curated five rare and unusual herbs from our Gloucestershire nursery that do more than just sit there—they have true energy. Whether you're planning an iconic landscape or hosting the first garden party of the year, these are the plants that will look fab in your garden and officially wow your friends!
1. Olive Herb (Santolina rosmarinifolia)
- Immediate Mediterranean summer.
- Taste Profile: These needle-like leaves taste exactly like high-quality pickled olives.
- Landscape Use: A hardy evergreen that creates a structural, silvery-green mound. It thrives on neglect—perfect for busy plant parents—but remember it only will thrive on neglect after it is first established.
-
Recipe Idea: Drop a sprig into a Dirty Martini or a Limoncello Spritz.
2. Cola Plant (Artemisia abrotanum)
- A 90s sweet shop nostalgia trip.
- Taste Profile: Rub the feathery leaves and they release an aroma identical to fresh gummy cola bottles.
- Landscape Use: A frothy silver shrub that provides a soft, textural contrast to dark-leaved plants in a garden border.
-
Recipe Idea: Muddle into a Rum and Cola to amplify the botanicals, or use as a scented garnish for mocktails. It's also great for a Cola-glazed Gammon.
3. Thyme 'Rose' (Thymus 'Rose')
-Turkish Delight in an English Summer Garden.
- Taste Profile: Moving way beyond herby, this variety has a genuine, delicate floral scent reminiscent of old-fashioned roses.
- Landscape Use: A low-growing, mound-forming variety that softens the edges of stone paths or grey slate patios.
-
Recipe Idea: The ultimate partner for Pink Gin or a Prosecco Spritz. Muddle with a fresh raspberry to complement those floral notes.
4. After Eight Mint (Mentha 'After Eight')
-The grown-ups Easter treat.
- Taste Profile: Deep cocoa-menthol. A sophisticated version of chocolate mint with a much sharper, cleaner finish.
- Landscape Use: Features deep purple stems and glossy leaves that pop against white stone or light terracotta pots.
-
The Signature Drink: The After Eight Espresso Martini. Muddle fresh leaves with a shot of espresso and coffee liqueur. It's the nursery-fresh version of an Easter egg, with a crisp menthol hit. Also incredible infused into hot milk for a "Real" Hot Chocolate.
5. Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata)
-Tropical Resilience.
- Taste Profile: Spicy, citrusy, and much punchier than traditional coriander. Ideal for Thai, Nepalese, and Vietnamese dishes.
- Landscape Use: It truly loves wet feet. Perfect for damp garden spots or a pot sat in a saucer of water. (Note: Over winter, protect this one from hard frosts).
- The Pour: The essential heat for a Spicy Gin & Tonic—garnish with a slice of fresh ginger or a sliver of chilli.
The RHS Master Grower Difference
Sustainability isn't a buzzword for us; it's our baseline. Every plant is grown right here at our Gloucestershire nursery to the same Gold Medal standards seen at RHS Chelsea.
- Peat-Free:Grown in our specialist coir and bark mix.
-
Pure Flavour, No Toxins: We use no pesticides on-site. This ensures elite quality and intense botanical oils, so you can pick and garnish straight from the plant with total peace of mind.
- Sustainably Delivered: Your herbs arrive in recyclable pots and sturdy, cardboard packaging.
- Nursery Hardened: Mature root systems that are ready to plant and thrive in your garden, hardy grown.
Shop Edible Gardens & The Cocktail Collection Here
The 2026 Mixologist's Cheat Sheet
| The Botanical | Best Spirit / Drink Pair | The Vibe |
| Olive Herb | Gin / Dry Martini | Savoury & Sophisticated |
| After Eight Mint | Dark Rum / Espresso Martini | Rich & Indulgent |
| Thyme 'Rose' | Pink Gin / Prosecco | Floral & Elegant |
| Cola Plant | Spiced Rum / Sparkling Water | Nostalgic & Fun |
| Vietnamese Coriander | Tequila / Spicy G&T | Bold & Tropical |
Frequently Asked Questions: The Master Grower's Guide
Which herbs are best for a home cocktail garden?
We recommend After Eight Mint for its clean chocolate-menthol scent, Thyme 'Rose' for floral pairings, and Olive Herb for savoury martinis. These offer aromatic profiles that standard supermarket herbs simply cannot match.
Can I grow cocktail herbs in pots on a balcony?
Yes. Most Mediterranean herbs thrive in pots as long as they have gritty, well-drained soil and 6+ hours of sun. Terracotta pots are the gold standard as they allow roots to breathe.
What herb tastes like olives?
Olive Herb (Santolina rosmarinifolia) is a hardy evergreen shrub with an authentic pickled olive flavour. It's a popular "cheat" for chefs looking for a Mediterranean hit without the stone.
How do I stop my herbs from dying in winter?
In the UK, herbs usually die from wet feet, not the cold. Use pot feet or bricks to lift your containers off the ground. This allows winter rain to drain away, preventing root rot.
Are the flowers on these herbs edible?
Yes! Varieties like Thyme 'Rose' produce nectar-rich edible flowers. They are perfect for freezing into botanical ice cubes for an aesthetic finish.
About the Author: Chelsea Gold Quality to Your Door
This guide was written by the award-winning team at Kitchen Garden Plant Centre. With three consecutive RHS Chelsea Gold Medals and the prestigious Colin Spires Herb Trophy awarded three years running, we are dedicated to bringing elite nursery quality directly to your garden.
RHS Master Growers 2026
We are thrilled to announce that the RHS has selected us as Master Growers for 2026. Come and see these botanicals in person at our Master Grower exhibit at the RHS Badminton Flower Show 2026, where we will be showcasing our specialist herb expertise and gold-medal standards.
The Grower's Guide: From Soil to Plate
Every plant is grown on-site at our Gloucestershire nursery. Your herbs will arrive happy in peat-free compost and recyclable pots, snugly tucked into sturdy cardboard packaging. From our nursery beds to your kitchen garden, we ensure our plants are as sustainable as they are beautiful.
