Summer Herbal Harvests: Rose of Sharon, Calendula & Chamomile
The Beauty of July in Zone 6b
July is a season of abundance in Zone 6b gardens. The long sunny days and warm evenings bring blooms and herbs to their peak, offering both beauty and practicality. At Hilltop Botanicals, we celebrate this time of year by harvesting and preserving herbs that nourish, soothe, and bring joy. Three of our favorites in midsummer are Rose of Sharon, Calendula, and Chamomile. Each one has a unique story, purpose, and place in the homestead.
Rose of Sharon: A Gentle Summer Bloom
Often admired for its ornamental beauty, Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) offers more than just a splash of color in the landscape.
Tea & Beverages: Its mild, slightly floral petals make a calming and refreshing tea—delicious served iced on hot July days.
Skincare: The petals can be infused into oils or toners to create soothing, hydrating skincare products.
Garden Beauty: With its long bloom time, Rose of Sharon provides continuous color while also supporting pollinators.
Tip: Harvest petals on dry mornings, just after they open, for the best quality.
Calendula: Sunshine in Bloom
Calendula, with its golden and orange blossoms, is one of the most beloved herbs for both beauty and healing.
Skin Soothing: Infused into oils, calendula is known for its ability to calm irritation and support skin repair.
Teas & Salves: The petals add a bright touch to herbal teas and are often blended into salves for everyday care.
Garden Role: Easy to grow and a prolific bloomer, calendula self-seeds readily, ensuring its place in the garden year after year.
Tip: Regular harvesting of flowers encourages new blooms throughout the summer.
Chamomile: A Calming Classic
Chamomile’s delicate white and yellow blossoms are synonymous with calm and comfort.
Tea: Perhaps the most famous herbal tea of all, chamomile is a go-to for winding down at night or easing a busy mind.
Skincare: Its anti-inflammatory properties make chamomile a gentle addition to lotions, oils, and bath soaks.
Pollinator-Friendly: Bees adore chamomile blooms, making it both a useful and beneficial plant for your garden.
Tip: Harvest blossoms when the centers are fully open but still firm, and dry them quickly for best flavor and potency.
Celebrating Summer Herbs with Hilltop Botanicals
From the gentle petals of Rose of Sharon to the golden cheer of Calendula and the calming charm of Chamomile, July offers an herbal palette that nourishes body, spirit, and skin. At Hilltop Botanicals, we honor the rhythm of the seasons by harvesting, creating, and sharing botanical goods that carry this summer abundance into everyday life.
✨ Join us in celebrating the season! Follow along on social for behind-the-scenes harvest days and discover our handcrafted teas and skincare inspired by these timeless herbs.