What Attracts Dragonflies? 17 Eye-Catching Plants to Try

Dragonflies are fascinating insects that add color and life to any garden. They are not only visually striking but also serve as natural pest controllers, feeding on mosquitoes and other small insects. Many gardeners wonder what attracts dragonflies and how to encourage them to visit their outdoor spaces. Plant selection plays a crucial role in creating a dragonfly-friendly environment. By choosing the right plants, you can enjoy a lively garden while supporting these beneficial insects.
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Why Dragonflies Are Beneficial

Dragonflies help reduce populations of mosquitoes, gnats, and other small flying insects. They are also excellent indicators of a healthy ecosystem, especially around water features such as ponds or streams. Encouraging dragonflies to your garden can enhance biodiversity and create a more balanced natural environment.

Plants That Attract Dragonflies

Selecting plants that provide shelter, perching spots, and prey habitat can make your garden irresistible to dragonflies. Here are 17 options recommended by experts:

1. Water Lilies

Offer floating surfaces and shaded areas near ponds.

2. Pickerelweed (Pontederia)

Provides perching and attracts insects that dragonflies feed on.

3. Cattails (Typha)

Tall stems serve as excellent lookout and resting spots.

4. Rushes (Juncus)

Support dragonfly perching while adding texture to ponds.

5. Arrowhead (Sagittaria)

Emergent plants create shallow areas for hunting insects.

6. Horsetail (Equisetum)

Provides vertical structure and hiding spots.

7. Ferns

Offer shaded areas and shelter for small prey insects.

8. Marsh Marigold (Caltha)

Early blooms attract insects, which in turn attract dragonflies.

9. Irises (Iris spp.)

Provide perches and visual interest in wet areas.

10. Blue Flag Iris

Tall, striking foliage encourages dragonflies to land.

11. Pickerel Flower

Attracts pollinators, which serve as prey for dragonflies.

12. Sweet Flag (Acorus)

Dense foliage offers shelter and perching opportunities.

13. Goldenrod

Supports pollinators and adds vertical structure for landing.

14. Joe-Pye Weed

Tall stems attract insects that dragonflies hunt.

15. Milkweed

Attracts butterflies and small insects, creating a food source.

16. Swamp Sunflower

Bright blooms draw insects and provide perches.

17. Cardinal Flower

Tall red spikes are visually attractive and encourage dragonfly activity.

Tips for Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Garden

• Include a water source: Dragonflies are drawn to ponds, streams, or shallow water containers.

• Provide vertical structures: Perches like tall plants, sticks, or ornamental grasses encourage resting and hunting.

• Minimize pesticides: Avoid chemicals that harm dragonflies or their prey.

• Plant in clusters: Grouping plants provides shelter and attracts more insects for dragonflies to feed on.

By incorporating these practices, you create a habitat that supports dragonflies and enhances the overall health of your garden ecosystem.

Conclusion

Knowing what attracts dragonflies can help gardeners design outdoor spaces that are lively, biodiverse, and visually stunning. By planting a combination of perching plants, water-friendly species, and insect-attracting flowers, you can enjoy the benefits of these natural pest controllers while adding dynamic movement and color to your garden.