(Althea officinalis) If any of you are prone to long-lasting coughs and sore throats in the winter months, you’ll want this perennial herb in your garden. Edible white/blushed with pink flowers and big soft leaves reaching a height of 6-8’ make this herb hard to miss or resist. Both the roots and leaves are gentle expectorants and soothing to the throat and urinary tract. Beautiful long-lasting perennial. An old and welcome friend every spring as the greens arise and a happy sight as it continues to bloom throughout summer. Sow it where you'd like to see it return year after year. Perennial. UO