The pollen- and nectar-rich herbs listed below will lure “beneficial” insects — parasitic wasps, ladybugs, lacewings, hover-flies, tachinid flies, and soldier beetles — that attack many common garden pests, including scale, aphids, and whiteflies. Planting them among vegetables and flowers, or in borders surrounding vegetable or flower gardens, will help keep pests in check.
- Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
- Borage (Borago officinalis)
- Caraway (Carum carvi)
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
- Dill (Anethum graveolens)
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
- Onions, garlic, chives (Allium spp.)
- Parsley (Petroselinum spp.)
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus spp.)
- Sage (Salvia spp.)
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata)
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Thyme (Thymus spp.)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Beneficial insects are a boon to any garden, and herbs are among the best plants for attracting them.