Perennial basil

Ocimum gratissimum

Shrubby, clove-scented perennial basil that is more robust and longer-lived than annual basil.

Hardiness ratings

Perennial basil hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 10–11 −1.1 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H2 1 °C to 5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 5–7 5 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Clove-scented leaves used as a culinary herb; more robust and longer-lived than annual basil
  • Frost-tender — grown as a short-lived perennial in warm climates or an annual elsewhere
  • Pinch regularly to keep it bushy; not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Perennial basil against your zones

Reference

Perennial basil on Wikipedia