A three-tiered, spiral-shaped herb spiral made of corten steel, planted with various herbs, stands in a green garden. The surroundings include lawn and shrubs in the sunlight.
Reddish-brown metal container with flowering plants (red, pink, white flowers) stands on grey gravel ground. In the background, there are more metal objects, including a round fountain.
Metal raised bed with various plants like chives and marigolds, embedded in wood chips, next to a garden path made of stone slabs in the green garden.

Herb Spirals and Pyramids

Useful and decorative planting structures for the garden

A favorite among hobby gardeners and home cooks: These sturdy, high-quality herb spirals and pyramids are spiral-shaped metal structures that taper toward the top.

The entire structure is open, providing ample space for planting. The choice of flowers, herbs, or other decorative elements is entirely up to you. At the bottom, the planting structures are in contact with the ground. This means that deep-rooted plants not only find water and nutrients in the soil of the herb spiral but can also “tap into” the topsoil. Among other benefits, this reduces the frequency of watering.

Are you looking for other planters and pots, including larger sizes? Then why not take a look at our TERRESTA planters and the smaller  TREND planters. In urban planning, the large and sturdy RONDA plant rings are also frequently used.

Find more ideas from the GARDEN OBJECTS category can be found here.

Metal spiral raised bed, planted with herbs and flowers, stands decoratively in the garden. Wood mulch covers the ground, surrounded by stone paths and green vegetation.
Stainless steel herb spiral, classically planted with chives, sage, parsley, and other aromatic herbs
Call for Entries: KRAEUTERSPIRALE
HERBA Technical Product Information

HERBA Herb Spiral as a Planting Bed

Different Materials

The herb spirals are made of high-quality Corten steel, which is characterized by its rust-colored appearance and exceptional weather resistance. Alternatively, the spirals are made of Rotex-polished stainless steel or  color-coated stainless steel. You are free to make your final selection based on the installation location and intended use. In addition, we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding dimensions and custom-made products.

Herb Spiral Made of Corten Steel
Stainless Steel Herb Spiral
Herb spiral made of color-coated stainless steel

Various Sizes

The basic version of the herb spiral from our selection is available in the following sizes: 800 mm, 1,000 mm, 1,200 mm, 1,800 mm, and 2,400 mm. The largest spiral is almost like a herb bed and offers space for numerous plants, including vegetable seedlings. The metal itself, thanks to its properties, already ensures a very stable structure, but it is further reinforced by hidden cross-braces on the inside. The spiral shape naturally creates several levels that, while separated by the metal walls, are still connected to one another.

Herb Spiral, 800 mm diameter
Herb Spiral, 1.000 mm diameter
Herb Spiral, 1.200 mm diameter

Metal Herb Pyramids

Our new herb pyramid is a variation on the herb spiral. It consists of metal rings with spacers that are individually placed on the ground. The pyramids, designed for planting herbs and other greenery, are available in 2-tier or 3-tier configurations and in various sizes. The largest herb pyramid has a diameter of 1,200 mm and a total height of 600 mm—there’s plenty of room for quite a few plants.

HERBA Herb Pyramid with Two Planting Rings
HERBA Herb Pyramid with Three Planting Rings

How can you use a herb spiral and a herb pyramid?

Herb spirals and herb pyramids are real eye-catchers that quickly become a favorite feature in the garden. They can be placed in a rock garden just as easily as they can be set amid lush greenery. You can plant the spiral in the traditional way with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil. But the spiral also makes a great metal garden feature as a colorful focal point with flowers or low perennials.

By the way, did you know that Corten steel poses an insurmountable barrier to snails? The patina contains small amounts of copper, which is enough to prevent snails from crawling further. This makes it ideal for use as a herb or flower spiral.

A flower spiral as a colorful eye-catcher
HERBA Herb Spiral, with typical plantings

Using a Herb Spiral

Unusual Ideas

Are there other ways to use a herb spiral? In fact, the metal spiral can serve as a decorative object or even as a tool for athletic activities. If the spiral is designed as a ramp with a flat but ascending surface, it can even be placed on a golf course and serve as a tricky obstacle. What exactly you fill the spiral with and how you showcase it ultimately depends on your creativity. We hope you have fun experimenting!

A mini-golf course with a metal spiral stands in the foreground, surrounded by artificial green grass and concrete borders, in sunlight and shade.
HERBA used as an obstacle on a mini-golf course. Source: TrendSport GmbH, André Dirnberger, 84184 Tiefenbach

Frequently Asked Questions About the HERBA Herb Spiral

HERBA is offered by Gartenmetall as a metal herb spiral or herb and plant spiral. The term “herb spiral” is often used synonymously with this design and also describes the spiraling, ascending planting area. HERBA differs from a classic raised herb bed due to its characteristic spiral shape. The product family also includes the tiered HERBA herb pyramid.
The HERBA herb spiral is available in Corten steel, stainless steel with a Rotex finish, and color-coated stainless steel. For the Corten version, Gartenmetall uses weather-resistant structural steel S355J2W+N (material grade 1.8965). Corten steel develops its characteristic patina through exposure to the elements. The Rotex finish creates a randomly brushed surface on stainless steel; alternatively, the powder-coated version allows for a specific color scheme.

The HERBA herb spiral is available in five standard sizes:

Diameterlow / high side
Ø 800 mm200 / 500 mm
Ø 1,000 mm200 / 700 mm
Ø 1,200 mm200 / 850 mm
Ø 1,800 mm350 / 1,200 mm
Ø 2,400 mm400 / 1,400 mm

Special diameters up to Ø 3,000 mm are available upon request. This allows the size to be adapted to larger planting concepts or project-specific space requirements.

The HERBA herb spiral is delivered fully assembled or as a single, continuous unit. It is made of 2 mm-thick metal and features internal reinforcing struts for high structural stability and dimensional accuracy. Therefore, it is not necessary to assemble the spiral itself from individual wall segments. The herbs and planting medium are not included in the delivery.
The standard version of the HERBA herb spiral is manufactured without a base. Gartenmetall recommends installing it directly on the prepared soil. This allows contact with the natural soil, enabling deep-rooting plants to access this additional root space. Any necessary subbase or foundation must be provided by the customer. For fully sealed surfaces, the current HERBA product information does not specify a universally applicable standard installation; such an installation scenario should therefore be coordinated on a project-by-project basis.
The HERBA herb spiral features a continuously ascending, spiral-shaped planting area. The HERBA herb pyramid, on the other hand, is constructed from individual metal rings with spacers, which are arranged in tiers one above the other. Gartenmetall offers a two-tier version with rings measuring Ø 600 and Ø 900 mm and a total height of 400 mm, as well as a three-tier version with rings measuring Ø 600, Ø 900, and Ø 1,200 mm and a total height of 600 mm. The herb pyramid is also open at the bottom.
Yes. The Corten steel used by Gartenmetall can also be used for planting areas with herbs and other crops. According to Gartenmetall’s material specifications, alloying elements such as copper and chromium are present only in small quantities of less than one percent and are firmly bound within the steel’s structure. Gartenmetall therefore explicitly classifies the Corten steel it uses as safe for raised beds and applications in organic farming.
The Corten steel version can make it more difficult for snails to gain access. Gartenmetall attributes this effect to the material’s low copper content and the rough surface of the hybrid tea rose. The HERBA product information therefore describes the planting as slightly better protected against snails. However, this does not imply complete protection against snails.

With Corten steel, rust-colored runoff water must be factored into the design from the very beginning. The surface of the hybrid tea rose continues to change due to alternating wet and dry conditions; particularly in the initial phase, rust particles or rust-colored water can reach adjacent surfaces and cause discoloration there. Gartenmetall therefore recommends planning the installation site so that runoff water can be drained in a controlled manner. This is particularly important for light-colored paved areas and other surfaces susceptible to discoloration.

HERBA is designed for herbs and other suitable plants with varying site requirements. Gartenmetall lists rosemary, thyme, and basil, among others, and also shows the spiral planted with flowers or low perennials. The ascending shape creates several interconnected planting areas. However, Gartenmetall does not prescribe a specific four-zone planting scheme for HERBA. The selection of plants, growing medium, and watering should therefore be tailored to the location, the size of the spiral, and the specific plants being used.

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