Pollinator-Friendly Herbs

Reader Contribution by Karin Eller
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There are many articles about pollinator friendly flowers, but what about herbs? Herbs have many uses medicinal, culinary and even ornamental. They can be grown in containers, draping over walls and planted in drought tolerant landscapes and in the shade. Herbs are excellent choice for planting on hillsides to keep weeds smothered. Unfortunately, they are not usually considered to be part of the flower garden or landscape for our pollinating friends. With the many new varieties and old favorites available there is an herb out there for any use to beautify your garden.

Monarda or Bee Balm is a full sun perennial that most gardeners are familiar with. The bright red flowers of this plant are iconic. Though with recent introductions, there is a myriad of colors available. There are varieties such as ‘Lilac Lollipop’, with soft lilac colored blooms to ‘Coral Reef’ that has a mellowed orange hue. These new introductions can grow to approximately 24” in height depending on the variety, enjoying the same conditions as the parent plant. Deadheading will keep this plant producing blooms thought the growing season.

Hyssop is a very hardy, ancient herb mentioned in the Bible, “Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean,” verse 7 Psalm 51. It is a shrubby perennial that grows to 20 inches tall. This perennial is not really particular about soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. The lovely little blue flowers are a pollinator favorite.

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