Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender, native to the Mediterranean, yields silvery-green spikes crowned with fragrant purple flowers that lend a sweet, floral note to sugar, ice creams, and cocktails. It’s noninvasive when grown in well-drained, sunny locations—ideal for rock gardens or herb beds.
Its nectar-rich blooms attract honeybees and solitary mason bees, which sometimes nest in hollow plant stems. A few lavender buds sprinkled on shortbread cookies transforms a simple treat into an elegant delight!