The red and green in the herbs compliment the Christmas colors. Herbs that are appropriate for small live Christmas trees add diversity to the season and are useful after the holidays.
Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) sports shiny, dark green, leathery, aromatic foliage. Bay laurel provides the leaves for traditional victory wreaths.
Greek myrtle (Myrtus communis) is an upright shrub that has fragrant foliage and is perfect for a topiary. Myrtle produces white flowers followed by purplish black berries.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) has bluish-green and silver feathery dense foliage and a wonderful scent.
The following herbs are symbolically connected with the Christmas manger. Dry these herbs to make festive arrangements for holiday tables and wreaths. They blend with Christmas décor such as pine cones, nuts, and cinnamon sticks.
Bedstraw (Galium verum) has a honeylike scent and was used for stuffing beds.
Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) symbolizes everlasting life and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The spicy balsam scent makes fragrant bookmarks.
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) was a strewing herb in the Middle Ages. As people walked on it, the rosemary gave off a pleasant aroma.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a symbol of grace. The dried seed heads add interest and texture to flower arrangements.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is considered an herb of immortality, longevity, and domestic happiness.
Santolina (Santolina chaemaecyparissus) is the herb of fair linen and symbolizes the swaddling clothes. The stems repel insects.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) signifies strength and courage.