Did you know that dragonflies are a natural mosquito repellent? That’s because they actually enjoy feasting on them! In fact, according to Smithsonian Magazine , one adult dragonfly can eat anywhere from 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Since mosquitoes are our number one summer enemy, we might want to consider keeping these dragonflies around. So while you’re out there doing your spring and summer gardening, consider planting some pretty plants that not only attract dragonflies, but keep your garden looking good.
Black Eyed Susan
No, we’re not encouraging you to go over to your neighbor Susan’s place and sock her right in the eye. That’s not going to do anything but leave you with a restraining order, and maybe even a fine, and definitely a whole lot of awkwardness.
According to SFGate , Black Eyed Susans attract butterflies, which in turn attracts dragonflies who enjoy feasting on the insects.
Swamp Milkweed
Like the Black Eyed Susans, the colorful flowers of Swamp Milkweed attract dragonfly prey like bumblebees, wasps, and butterflies.
If your backyard is full of clay, this is the plant for you.
Joe Pye Weed
Normally, we want to get rid of weeds, but not Mr. Joe Pye Weed!
You might recognize these pink weed flowers from your excursions in the woods, but they’ll look rather pretty in your garden, too!
They actually grow quite tall , up to 12 feet or so! And they attract pollinating insects that dragonflies feed on.
Meadow Sage
It seems that the trend is to plant flowers and plants that dragonfly prey is attracted to, so that dragonflies can be attracted to those attracted prey…Catch my drift?
Meadow sage is another beautiful plant filled with vibrant purple flowers that add brilliant color and dimension to your garden. Because of their scented flowers, rabbits won’t be hopping through your garden and eating your dragonfly friends’ home.
RELATED STORIES
Water Lily
Dragonflies not only spend much of their growing years in water , but they also mate there.
So, adding some water lilies to an existing pond is a good choice!
