Pollinators are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting food production, and contributing to the health of our ecosystems. In recent years, however, pollinator populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Protecting these vital creatures should be a top priority for gardeners and homesteaders alike. One of the most effective and natural ways to help is by cultivating pollinator-friendly herbs in your garden. Not only will these herbs benefit bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, but they will also enhance your garden’s beauty and productivity. In this post, we’ll explore sixteen top herbs that attract pollinators and provide tips to keep them healthy and thriving.
Why Protecting Pollinators Is Crucial
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, play a vital role in fertilizing plants by transferring pollen from one flower to another. This process is essential for producing fruits, vegetables, and seeds, and ultimately helps support both ecosystems and agriculture. Without pollinators, we would face a severe reduction in the variety and availability of many plants and food sources.
Unfortunately, the rapid decline of pollinator populations has been linked to several factors, including pesticide use, habitat destruction, disease, and climate change. By creating pollinator-friendly gardens and planting specific herbs, we can contribute to reversing this trend and provide a safe haven for these vital creatures.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Top 16 Herbs That Attract Pollinators
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a favorite among bees and butterflies due to its fragrant purple flowers and rich nectar. This drought-tolerant herb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal addition to any garden.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and even some birds like hummingbirds.
Benefits: Lavender’s long-lasting blooms provide a consistent food source throughout the growing season. It’s also low maintenance and can double as a culinary and medicinal herb.
2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage, also known as starflower, produces beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers that are irresistible to pollinators, especially bees. The nectar-rich blooms appear throughout the summer, making borage a valuable addition to a pollinator garden.
Pollinators attracted: Primarily bees, but butterflies are also frequent visitors.
Benefits: Borage is a self-seeding annual that grows in a variety of soil types and is perfect for filling gaps in your garden. It’s also a great companion plant for strawberries and tomatoes, boosting their yield.
3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a low-growing herb that produces small but fragrant flowers, which attract bees in droves. Its ability to thrive in poor soils and dry conditions makes it a valuable addition to herb gardens.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, primarily honeybees and bumblebees.
Benefits: In addition to supporting pollinators, thyme is a versatile culinary herb. It’s also a great ground cover that can be used in rock gardens or alongside pathways.
4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano produces clusters of small white or pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Its strong aroma and nectar-rich blooms make it a popular herb among pollinators.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Benefits: Besides attracting pollinators, oregano is a perennial herb that adds flavor to many dishes and offers medicinal properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
5. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or angustifolia)
Known for its large, cone-shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple, echinacea is a magnet for a variety of pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and birds all flock to this herb for its abundant nectar and pollen.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Benefits: Echinacea is a hardy perennial that not only supports pollinators but also has strong immune-boosting properties, making it a favorite in herbal medicine.
6. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
With its tall spikes of purple flowers, anise hyssop is a favorite among bees and butterflies. The plant’s licorice-like scent also helps to deter unwanted pests from the garden.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Benefits: Anise hyssop is drought-resistant, making it a great choice for xeriscaping or dry gardens. It’s also used in teas and other herbal remedies due to its medicinal properties.
7. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Often called pot marigold, calendula produces vibrant orange and yellow blooms that attract bees and butterflies. It’s a great addition to pollinator gardens due to its long blooming period and ease of growth.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: In addition to supporting pollinators, calendula is renowned for its skin-healing properties and can be used in salves and creams.
8. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint produces a profusion of lavender-blue flowers that attract bees and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance make it an ideal herb for busy gardeners.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: Catmint not only supports pollinators but also repels some common garden pests. It’s also loved by cats, making it a fun addition for pet owners.
9. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
As its name suggests, bee balm is a magnet for bees, along with butterflies and hummingbirds. Its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers add a striking pop of color to any garden. Bee balm thrives in full sun and moist soil, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly spaces.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Benefits: Bee balm is a perennial herb with medicinal uses, particularly for treating colds and respiratory ailments due to its antimicrobial properties. Its long-lasting blooms provide a reliable nectar source throughout the summer.
10. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a common culinary herb that also serves as an excellent pollinator plant. Their round clusters of purple flowers draw bees and hoverflies, making them a fantastic addition to any garden.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and hoverflies.
Benefits: Chives are easy to grow and self-seed, ensuring their continuous presence in your garden. In addition to attracting pollinators, chives can repel pests like aphids, making them an excellent companion plant for many vegetables.
11. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is another aromatic herb that attracts pollinators with its spiky purple or blue flowers. Bees and butterflies are especially drawn to sage, which thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: Sage is a hardy perennial herb with multiple uses, including culinary and medicinal applications. It aids digestion and can soothe sore throats, while also providing a long-blooming nectar source for pollinators.
12. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel’s tall, feathery foliage and yellow umbel flowers are a favorite among bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. This herb can grow up to six feet tall, adding both height and pollinator appeal to your garden.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Benefits: Fennel is a perennial herb that attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, in addition to pollinators. It also serves as a host plant for swallowtail butterfly larvae, making it an important component of a pollinator-friendly garden.
13. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Also known as cilantro, coriander produces delicate white or pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. This annual herb self-seeds, ensuring new plants year after year, while providing a valuable nectar source for pollinators.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: Coriander is a versatile herb, offering both leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) for culinary use. Letting coriander flower ensures pollinators have access to its nectar while also allowing the herb to self-sow for the following season.
14. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Marjoram, similar to oregano, produces small clusters of white, pink, or lavender flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and requires minimal care, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Pollinators attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Benefits: In addition to attracting pollinators, marjoram is a popular culinary herb and has calming, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a hardy perennial that will return year after year in the garden.
15. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint produces small white or purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. While mint can be invasive if not controlled, planting it in containers can help manage its spread while still benefiting pollinators.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: Mint is a versatile herb, used in teas, desserts, and for its digestive benefits. Allowing some of your mint plants to flower provides pollinators with a much-needed nectar source throughout the growing season.
16. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil’s small white or purple flowers attract bees and butterflies, although many gardeners harvest it before it flowers. Letting some basil plants bloom provides a nectar source for pollinators while ensuring you can harvest seeds for the next season.
Pollinators attracted: Bees and butterflies.
Benefits: Basil is a fast-growing annual herb that thrives in warm, sunny conditions. It’s a staple in many kitchens and can be used to make pesto, soups, and herbal remedies. Letting some of your basil go to seed will attract pollinators and help it self-sow for future growing seasons.
Other Tips for Keeping Pollinators Healthy
While planting herbs is an excellent start, there are other steps you can take to ensure pollinators remain healthy and thriving in your garden.
- Create a Bee Bath
Pollinators need access to clean, shallow water sources. You can easily create a bee bath by filling a shallow dish with water and adding stones or marbles for bees to land on. Place it in a sunny spot near your pollinator garden, and refill it regularly to provide a reliable water source. - Provide Shelter
Pollinators need safe spaces to rest and shelter from harsh weather conditions. Planting shrubs, grasses, and other native plants around your garden can provide pollinators with the protection they need. You can also install bee hotels or leave some areas of your garden wild to create natural nesting sites for solitary bees. - Avoid Pesticides
Many common pesticides and herbicides are harmful to pollinators. Instead of using chemical sprays, opt for organic gardening methods such as companion planting, natural predators, or insecticidal soaps. If you must use pesticides, apply them at night when pollinators are less active and choose options that are least harmful to bees and butterflies. - Plant a Diversity of Flowers
In addition to herbs, consider planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures a continuous supply of nectar and pollen for pollinators throughout the growing season. Native plants are often the best choice, as they’ve evolved alongside local pollinator species. - Let Herbs Flower
Many gardeners harvest herbs before they bloom to ensure the best flavor. However, allowing a portion of your herbs to flower can provide vital food sources for pollinators. Try designating a few plants in your garden to let flower fully, ensuring pollinators can take advantage of the blooms. - Use Mulch Sparingly
While mulch is beneficial for water retention and weed suppression, too much mulch can prevent ground-nesting bees from accessing the soil. Leave some areas of bare ground in your garden to accommodate these important pollinators.
Putting it all together
Creating a garden that attracts and supports pollinators is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to environmental conservation. By planting a diverse selection of herbs, such as lavender, borage, and echinacea, you can not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also play a crucial role in safeguarding our world’s pollinator populations.
Pollinators, from bees and butterflies to birds, are essential for healthy ecosystems. They are responsible for pollinating nearly 75% of the world’s flowering plants, including one-third of our food crops. Without these invaluable creatures, we would face a drastic reduction in biodiversity, food supply, and overall environmental health. Pollinators need our help more than ever as their populations continue to decline due to factors like pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change.
However, the good news is that even small actions, like adding pollinator-friendly herbs to your garden, can make a big difference. Whether you’re growing thyme, sage, or bee balm, these plants provide critical sources of food and shelter that support pollinator health year-round. Even simple efforts like creating a bee bath, reducing pesticide use, and planting a variety of flowers can have a profound effect on the local pollinator population.
So, what can you do to get started today? If you’re passionate about supporting pollinators, now is the perfect time to take action! Begin by selecting a few of the herbs from this list to plant in your garden or even in containers if you have limited space. Make sure to let some of the plants flower to maximize their benefit to pollinators, and consider adding additional pollinator-friendly plants to diversify your garden.
Together, we can create a healthier environment for pollinators while enjoying the many benefits that these herbs bring to our own homes. Start today, and watch as your garden becomes a haven for pollinators, buzzing with life and activity.
Leave a Reply