Dragonflies are nature’s tiny helicopters, zipping around with their shimmering wings and feasting on pesky mosquitoes. If you want these aerial acrobats in your garden, planting the right flowers is key. Not only do these blooms attract dragonflies, but they also add vibrant color and texture to your landscape. Let’s check out eight fantastic flowers that will turn your yard into a dragonfly paradise.
1. Lavender Bliss
Lavender is like a spa day for dragonflies, offering both beauty and function. Its fragrant purple spikes attract insects, giving dragonflies plenty of hunting opportunities. Plus, the scent helps keep mosquitoes at bay, making it a win-win for your garden. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil, and you’ll have a dragonfly haven in no time.
2. Coneflowers for Color and Critters
Coneflowers are like landing pads for dragonflies, offering a sturdy place to rest between flights. Their daisy-like blooms attract pollinators, drawing in the smaller insects that dragonflies love to snack on. Coneflowers thrive in poor soil and full sun, making them an easy, low-maintenance way to invite these winged hunters to your yard.
3. Bee Balm Beauty
Bee balm is basically a five-star buffet for pollinators, which means dragonflies won’t be far behind. This vibrant, spiky flower produces nectar that attracts butterflies and bees, creating a feast for dragonflies. I once planted a patch of bee balm, and within days, my backyard became a mini dragonfly airport. It was like watching a nature documentary unfold in real time.
4. Black-Eyed Susans and Bug Control
These bright, cheery flowers are more than just eye candy. Black-eyed Susans attract small insects, which are the perfect meal for dragonflies. This natural pest control keeps your garden healthy without relying on chemicals. Since they reseed themselves, you’ll have a steady supply of blooms and dragonflies year after year with minimal effort.
5. Joe-Pye Weed: The Pollinator Party
Joe-Pye weed may not sound glamorous, but this towering wildflower is a dragonfly magnet. It attracts butterflies and other small insects, setting the stage for dragonflies to swoop in. If you have a damp spot in your garden, Joe-Pye weed is perfect, as it thrives in moist soil and full sun. It is truly a pollinator paradise.
6. Liatris: A Spiky Delight
Liatris, also known as blazing star, looks like a purple firework exploding in your garden. Dragonflies love its tall spikes for perching while they scan for prey. Since Liatris is drought-tolerant and easy to grow, it is a must-have for anyone wanting to attract these graceful predators without too much effort. Plus, its vibrant blooms add a dramatic touch to any landscape.
7. Zinnias for a Zippy Garden
Zinnias bring the party to your garden with their bright colors and long-lasting blooms. These flowers are a favorite of pollinators, which means dragonflies have plenty to snack on. I once planted a mix of zinnias, and by midsummer, I had a squadron of dragonflies patrolling my yard like tiny fighter jets. It was the best free airshow I had ever seen.
8. Goldenrod Glow
Goldenrod is the unsung hero of late-season blooms, providing nectar when other flowers are fading. It attracts beneficial insects, keeping dragonflies well-fed and your garden buzzing with life. Despite its reputation, goldenrod doesn’t actually cause allergies. So, you can enjoy its golden glow without the sniffles while welcoming an army of dragonflies to your yard.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.