9 Best Herbs to Plant to Attract Pollinators

Herbs are not only useful in the kitchen but also highly attractive to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Here are some of the best herbs for attracting pollinators to your garden:

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Why It's Great: Basil produces small, white or purple flowers that are rich in nectar, attracting bees and other pollinators. Letting a few basil plants flower in your garden can help support pollinators throughout the growing season.

Bloom Time: Summer.

2. Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Why It's Great: Thyme is a low-growing herb that produces clusters of tiny, nectar-rich flowers. It’s particularly attractive to honeybees and mason bees.

Bloom Time: Late spring to summer.

3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Why It's Great: Lavender is a favorite among bees and butterflies due to its abundant, fragrant flowers. Its long blooming period and rich nectar make it an excellent choice for attracting pollinators.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Why It's Great: Oregano produces clusters of small, pinkish-purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It’s also a hardy, low-maintenance plant.

Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.

5. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Why It's Great: Mint produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are rich in nectar. Bees, especially bumblebees, are particularly drawn to flowering mint plants.

Bloom Time: Summer.

6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Why It's Great: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that produces small, blue flowers that are loved by bees. It’s evergreen in many climates, providing year-round interest and nectar.

Bloom Time: Spring, with some varieties blooming in winter.

7. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Why It's Great: Sage produces spikes of purple or blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s a drought-tolerant herb that thrives in full sun.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

8. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Why It's Great: Chives produce spherical clusters of purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees. In addition to being a culinary herb, chives are easy to grow and can be used as an ornamental border.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.

9. Borage (Borago officinalis)

Why It's Great: Borage is known for its star-shaped blue flowers, which are a favorite among bees. It’s a prolific bloomer, producing flowers continuously throughout the growing season.

Bloom Time: Late spring to fall.

10. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Why It's Great: Fennel produces large, umbrella-shaped clusters of yellow flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps.

Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.

Tips for Attracting Pollinators with Herbs:

Allow Herbs to Flower: While many herbs are harvested before they flower, allowing some to bloom can provide essential nectar and pollen for pollinators.

Plant in Clusters: Group the same herb species together to make it easier for pollinators to find and feed from them.

Use Organic Practices: Avoid using pesticides on your herbs to protect pollinators from harmful chemicals.

Provide Water: Offer shallow water dishes with pebbles or a birdbath to give pollinators a place to drink and cool off.

By planting these pollinator-friendly herbs, you can create a vibrant garden that not only supports pollinators but also provides you with fresh, flavorful herbs for cooking. Your garden will be buzzing with life, contributing to the health of your local ecosystem.