It’s no exaggeration to say that pollinators—like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—keep the world turning. Without them, nature’s plant fertilization system would collapse.
But urban expansion and environmental toxins are shrinking pollinator populations, with monarch butterflies and bees becoming the face of this crisis. One simple way to help? Planting herbs for pollinators.
Herbs like lavender and rosemary are packed with nectar, making them pollinator favorites, and some even serve as butterfly host plants. So, which herbs are best for pollinators? We’ve gathered a short list featuring herbs that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds—a perfect starting point.
Best Herbs for Pollinators
Herbs are generally plants valued for their medicinal, savory, or aromatic qualities. Most of us know culinary herbs (think parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme!), which also happen to be pollinator-friendly. Some provide nectar and pollen, while others act as host plants or offer shelter and nesting spots.
So, which herbs attract pollinators? Here’s our shortlist.
1. Rosemary
I used to think of rosemary as just those sprigs from the grocery store—until I visited Spain’s Bardenas Reales. There, fields of flowering rosemary stretched out, their fragrant leaves heavy with indigo blooms. That completely changed how I saw this common cooking herb.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is an evergreen shrub that’s drought-resistant and easy to grow. In mild climates, it can flower all winter, making it a pollinator’s dream. Who loves rosemary nectar? Mason bees, bumblebees, and honeybees flock to its blue-purple flowers.
2. Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) is another herb with striking blue flowers. Though considered an herb (it tastes like cucumber), it’s often grown as an ornamental. A beekeeper friend introduced me to it, and at her place, borage blossoms are always buzzing with bees. It’s also a host plant for painted lady butterflies.
This annual herb is super easy to grow. While its gray-green foliage isn’t the most elegant, its star-shaped, drooping flowers bloom from spring to fall. These nectar-rich blooms are a favorite of short-tongued bees, like buff-tailed bumblebees. Though it’s an annual, it self-seeds like crazy—my friend hasn’t planted new borage in a decade!
3. Viper’s Bugloss
This might not be a typical backyard herb, but bees adore it! Viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) is a native plant that’s easy to grow from seed. Its nectar-rich blue flowers replenish nectar up to six times an hour, and its upright spikes create dense clusters.
This clumping plant is a pollinator magnet all summer long, feeding buff-tailed and red-tailed bumblebees, large skipper and painted lady butterflies, honeybees, and red mason bees. It’s an annual but reseeds itself yearly.
4. Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) is ridiculously easy to grow—so much so that it’ll take over your garden if you let it. That’s why most people grow it in containers. Beyond its useful leaves, it produces tons of pale pink and purple flowers packed with nectar, making it a pollinator favorite.
One standout is native mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum). Though not a true mint, its tiny, clustered flowers are a nectar goldmine for bees and tachinid flies. It blooms for months, starting in early summer.
5. Basi
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a kitchen staple, but did you know it also attracts pollinators? Its bright green leaves add flavor to dishes, while its flower spikes provide energy for bees.
Fun fact: Basil’s main botanical goal is to flower. While you might snip blooms for culinary use, leaving some helps pollinators—and if you let a few plants go to seed, wild birds will thank you too.
6. Oregano
A classic in Italian cooking, oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial that grows up to a yard tall with olive-green leaves and purple, pink, or white flower spikes. Sometimes called wild marjoram, it blooms from July to September.
Its nectar attracts short-tongued bumblebees, honeybees, common carder bees, blue mason bees, and butterflies.
7. Agastache
Also known as giant hyssop, agastache (Agastache spp.) is a clump-forming perennial that self-seeds, giving you more plants over time. Its aromatic foliage bursts into flower spikes in summer, with blooms in purple, pink, yellow, or orange.
These flowers are a hotspot for butterflies, bees (especially carder bees), and—most famously—hummingbirds, earning it the nickname “hummingbird mint.”
8. Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is famous for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery leaves. Its tall, pale blue blooms attract not just honeybees but also butterflies, wasps, and hornets—all vital pollinators.
Tips for Growing Pollinator-Friendly Herbs
- Skip toxic pesticides—they can spread via rainwater and harm pollinators. Opt for natural pest control instead.
- Choose native plants—they’re easier to grow and support local pollinators.
- Embrace the mess—hold off on fall cleanup. Old stalks and leaves provide winter shelter for pollinators.
- Provide water—add a shallow dish with rocks for insects to land on, or try Bee Cups (available in the Gardening Know How Shop) to give pollinators a safe drinking spot.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Growing Herbs for Pollinators:
1. Why should I grow herbs for pollinators?
Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are essential for the environment, as they help with plant fertilization. Planting herbs that attract these creatures can support their populations, while also benefiting your garden by improving fruit and vegetable yields.
2. What makes an herb “pollinator-friendly”?
Pollinator-friendly herbs are those that produce nectar and pollen, which attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Some herbs also serve as host plants for the larvae of butterflies, making them particularly valuable for supporting the entire life cycle of these insects.
3. Can I plant these herbs in a small garden or container?
Absolutely! Many pollinator-friendly herbs can thrive in small spaces, including containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Herbs like basil, lavender, and oregano can be easily grown in pots, allowing you to attract pollinators even in urban settings.
4. Are these herbs easy to grow?
Yes, most of the herbs listed are relatively easy to grow. They require basic care like adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Herbs such as lavender, oregano, and basil are especially beginner-friendly, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
5. How do I maintain a pollinator-friendly garden?
To maintain a pollinator-friendly garden, ensure that you grow a variety of herbs that bloom at different times throughout the season, providing a continuous source of food for pollinators. Avoid using pesticides that can harm beneficial insects, and incorporate plants that cater to both adult pollinators and their larvae.
Conclusion:
Creating a pollinator-friendly garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By planting a selection of nectar-rich herbs like rosemary, borage, lavender, and mint, you can attract a variety of beneficial insects, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These herbs not only benefit your garden’s ecosystem but also provide fragrant, edible delights for your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, planting herbs for pollinators is a rewarding way to support the environment and enhance your gardening experience.
