It always amazes me how nature takes care of things in her own time and her own way. If people only stopped taking control and started listening to her, we’d see the beauty of these interactions take place. Utilizing plants that attract dragonflies for mosquito control, for instance, is one such example.

Utilizing dragonflies for mosquito control is nature’s way of telling us she’s got this. Only when we start intervening with harmful chemicals (like bug sprays and mosquito coils), will we do more harm than good. Here’s a guide to ten plants that can help attract dragonflies to your garden, thereby reducing the mosquito population naturally.

Land Plants

While building a backyard pond is the best way to attract dragonflies as they mate and lay their eggs in water, you can still attract dragonflies through other means. Planting flowers that attract prey for dragonflies will bring them to your garden indirectly. Here are five plants you can grow to attract more dragonflies into your backyard.

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Description:

• Black-eyed Susans attract butterflies and other pollinators, which are a popular choice of prey for dragonflies.
• These bright yellow wildflowers typically live for around two years in climates that remain warm for most of the year and will die off once winter hits in cooler climates.

Planting Tips:

• Soil: They adapt well to nearly every type of soil.
• Sunlight: Require full sunlight.
• Watering: Regular watering to bloom.

2. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Description:

• Swamp Milkweed attracts butterflies and other insects, which in turn attract dragonflies.
• It thrives in moist, swampy areas and can grow up to 5 feet tall with clusters of pink flowers.

Planting Tips:

• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Full to partial sun.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.

3. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Description:

• Joe-Pye Weed is a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators, attracting dragonflies as well.
• It features large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers and can grow up to 7 feet tall.

Planting Tips:

• Soil: Prefers rich, moist soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Needs regular watering to thrive.

4. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Description:

• Yarrow attracts a variety of insects, providing a food source for dragonflies.
• It has feathery leaves and clusters of small white, yellow, or pink flowers.

Planting Tips:

• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Drought-tolerant, requires minimal watering.

5. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Description:

• Coneflowers attract pollinators, which in turn attract dragonflies.
• Known for their large, daisy-like flowers with raised centers, they are hardy perennials.

Planting Tips:

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Moderate watering.
• Water Plants
• Creating a pond or water feature can significantly enhance your garden’s ability to attract dragonflies. These plants thrive in or near water and are essential for the dragonfly lifecycle.

6. Water Lilies (Nymphaea spp.)

Description:

• Water lilies provide resting spots and breeding grounds for dragonflies.
• They have large, floating leaves and vibrant flowers.

Planting Tips:

• Water Depth: Plant in water 12-18 inches deep.
• Sunlight: Full sun.
• Watering: Ensure the water is clean and clear.

7. Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Description:

• Arrowhead plants attract dragonflies by providing habitat for their larvae.
• They have arrow-shaped leaves and small white flowers.

Planting Tips:

• Water Depth: Plant in shallow water or muddy areas.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil or water consistently moist.

8. Cattails (Typha spp.)

Description:

• Cattails offer habitat and shelter for dragonflies.
• They have long, slender leaves and brown cylindrical flower spikes.

Planting Tips:

• Water Depth: Plant in shallow water up to 12 inches deep.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Keep soil or water consistently moist.

9. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Description:

• Pickerelweed attracts dragonflies with its habitat and provides resting spots.
• It has heart-shaped leaves and spikes of blue-purple flowers.

Planting Tips:

• Water Depth: Plant in shallow water or wet soil.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Keep the soil or water consistently moist.

10. Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale)

Description:

• Horsetail offers excellent habitat for dragonflies.
• It has jointed, reed-like stems and grows well in wet conditions.

Planting Tips:

• Water Depth: Plant in wet soil or shallow water.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• Watering: Keep soil or water consistently moist.

Additional Tip: Creating a Dragonfly Habitat

Building a Pond:

• Size and Depth: A pond of at least 20 square feet and 2 feet deep is ideal.
• Shelter: Add rocks, logs, and aquatic plants to provide shelter and breeding grounds.
• Water Quality: Keep the water clean and free of chemicals to support dragonfly larvae and other beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Nature has a remarkable way of balancing itself, and dragonflies are a perfect example of this. By planting these ten plants, you can attract dragonflies to your garden and naturally control the mosquito population. Embrace these natural methods and enjoy a thriving, balanced ecosystem in your backyard. Happy gardening!