A recent meta-analysis revealed that dragonflies and damselflies can effectively biologically control mosquitoes.1 By creating a haven for these beautiful and beneficial creatures, you can significantly reduce the number of pests in your outdoor space without resorting to harmful chemicals.
There is also some surprising benefits of their native blooms and how they can transform your garden into a dragonfly paradise.
The Power of Native Plants
When it comes to attracting dragonflies, not just any flowers will do. Native wildflowers are the best choice because they have evolved alongside local insect populations and provide the ideal habitat for dragonflies and their prey.
Native plants are smart for your garden, as they have adapted to thrive in your local climate and soil.
Unlike non-native species that may struggle and require more resources, native wildflowers are inherently resilient and low-maintenance.
By selecting various native blooms, you’ll create a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem that attracts dragonflies and other beneficial insects. This biodiversity promotes a healthy, balanced garden that naturally resists pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Top Wildflowers for Attracting Dragonflies
So, which native wildflowers should you plant to attract dragonflies to your garden? Some of the most effective options include:
- Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta): These bright yellow flowers bloom from summer to fall and provide a perfect perch from which dragonflies can hunt.
- Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): With its clusters of pink and white flowers, swamp milkweed attracts a variety of pollinators that serve as prey for dragonflies.
- Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): This tall, pink-flowered plant creates an ideal hunting ground for dragonflies, thanks to its ability to attract numerous insect species.
- Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa): The vibrant purple spikes of meadow sage are irresistible to many pollinators, making it an excellent addition to any dragonfly-friendly garden.
Creating the Perfect Dragonfly Habitat
In addition to planting native wildflowers, there are a few other steps you can take to make your garden even more inviting to dragonflies:
- Provide a water source: Dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water, so having a pond, birdbath, or even a shallow dish filled with water can encourage them to reside in your yard.
- Offer perches: Dragonflies need places to rest and survey their surroundings. Tall plants, sticks, or strategically placed bamboo stakes can be perfect perches.
- Avoid pesticides: Chemical insecticides can harm dragonflies and other beneficial insects, so it’s best to avoid using them in your garden altogether.
Following these simple tips and incorporating native wildflowers into your landscape, you’ll soon find your garden buzzing with dragonflies free from pesky mosquitoes.
Embrace the power of nature’s pest control and enjoy a more beautiful, balanced outdoor space this summer.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.