If you want to invite the graceful and fascinating dragonfly to your garden, planting the right flora is key. Dragonflies aren’t just beautiful to watch—they are also excellent natural pest controllers, feeding on mosquitoes and other insects. By cultivating plants that attract and support dragonflies, you create a vibrant ecosystem that benefits your garden and the environment.
Here are 15 plants known to draw dragonflies by providing food, shelter, and suitable habitat.
1. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These bright yellow flowers with dark centers are not only cheerful but also attract insects that dragonflies prey on. Their sturdy stems offer perching spots.
2. Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis)
Meadow sage produces nectar-rich blooms that attract pollinators and insects, which in turn bring dragonflies looking for food.
3. Water Lilies (Nymphaea)
Water lilies float gracefully on pond surfaces, creating perfect resting places for dragonflies and supporting the aquatic life they depend on.
4. Rushes (Juncus)
Commonly found near water, rushes provide shelter and breeding grounds for dragonflies and their larvae.
5. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
These striking blue flowers grow near wetlands and ponds, offering cover and hunting perches for dragonflies.
6. Cattails (Typha latifolia)
Cattails thrive in marshy areas, giving dragonflies places to lay eggs and shelter in the dense foliage.
7. Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata)
Found at pond edges, pickerel weed attracts insects and provides structure for dragonfly larvae to hide and develop.
8. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod’s bright yellow clusters are magnets for insects, drawing dragonflies that feed on them.
9. Ferns (e.g., Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Ferns offer shady, humid microhabitats ideal for young dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
10. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
This tall, purple-flowered plant is favored by pollinators and the insects they attract, supporting dragonflies in the food chain.
11. Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis)
Known for its vivid red flowers, lobelia grows well near water and attracts insects important to dragonflies.
12. Wild Mint (Mentha arvensis)
Wild mint’s strong scent draws insects, making it a great companion plant to lure dragonflies.
13. Sundew (Drosera)
A carnivorous plant found in wetlands, sundew complements the ecosystem by catching small insects and adding biodiversity.
14. Monkey Flower (Mimulus)
With bright, tubular flowers, monkey flowers attract a variety of insects, which then attract dragonflies.
15. Thistle (Cirsium)
Thistles produce nectar and seeds that support a range of insects, providing food sources for dragonflies.
Why Planting for Dragonflies Matters
Adding these plants to your garden creates a welcoming environment for dragonflies, but the benefits go beyond just attracting these beautiful insects. Dragonflies help control pest populations naturally, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
Moreover, many of these plants support pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy, thriving garden ecosystem. The mix of aquatic and terrestrial plants creates habitats for all life stages of dragonflies—from egg to nymph to adult—ensuring they continue to flourish.
Tips for Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Garden
To maximize your garden’s appeal to dragonflies, consider adding a small pond or water feature since their larvae are aquatic. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm both dragonflies and their prey.
Plant in groups and provide a variety of heights and textures to offer shelter and perching spots. Make sure your water feature has shallow edges and aquatic plants like water lilies or pickerel weed for egg-laying.
Conclusion
Incorporating these 15 plants into your garden not only attracts dragonflies but also enhances biodiversity and natural pest control. Creating a balanced, welcoming space for wildlife enriches your gardening experience and supports the environment. Start planting today and enjoy watching dragonflies dance above your vibrant garden oasis!