Caraway-Scented Thyme is great for herb or rock gardens. Also, since it's growth habit is prostrate and mat-forming, thyme makes a very nice ground cover. Bees as well as butterflies are attracted to its tiny blossoms that are rich in nectar. These colorful herbs grow to about 6 to 12 inches tall and like well-drained soil, moderate water, and partial shade, especially if you live in a hot climate.
Lavender {Lavandula angustifolia}
Attracts: Anise and Black Swallowtails
Lavender originally hails from the Mediterranean, and is best noted for its delightful fragrance. When dried, the small lavender or purple blossoms are excellent for making perfumed sachets. Lavender is an excellent plant for herb gardens and is outstanding when planted as a sweeping border or hedge. Plant lavenders in well-drained soil in full sun, water them moderately, and they will need little else to thrive. If you live in a very hot climate, you may want to plant them in partial shade.
There have been a host of lavender hybrids developed over many years, giving you a wide selection to choose from. Some lovely species include Lavender Lady, Rosea, Twickel Purple, Grey Lady, and Alba. Lavender is a lovely hardy perennial in USDA Zones 5B to 8A. Both Anise and Black Swallowtail butterflies will love you for planting lavender, as these are their caterpillars' favorite host plants.
Sassafras Winter Savory Mint {Satureja montana}
Attracts: Palamedes and Spicebush Swallowtails
This particular variety of Sassafras is a shrubby type perennial that blooms profusely in the summer. Its tiny flower whorls of either white or lilac are very attractive to Palamedes and Spicebush Swallowtails. They are a hardy perennial in USDA Zones 6A to 11, and can be treated as an annual in colder climes.
Female Palamedes and Spicebush Swallowtails are attracted to this species of Sassafras as it is their preferred host plant for their caterpillars. So, remember to plant some extras for them! Although the Winter Savory Mint Sassafras doesn't have the mild flavor the Summer Savory has, it can still be used to season eggs, soups, veggies, meats and fish.
Other herbs that can be grown as caterpillar host plants as well as for your own use include:
Dill {Anethum graveolens} to attract Black Swallowtails; Nasturtiums {Tropaeolum majus} to attract Spring Azures and Cabbage Whites; Fennel {Foeniculum vulgare} to attract Anise and Black Swallowtails; and a variety of species of Yarrow that also attracts Anise and Black Swallowtails. Common Yarrow Aster {Achillea millefolium} blooms in lovely colors of pink and white -- quite different from the usual yellow seen in most other species of yarrow.
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