6 Plants that Attracts Dragonflies to Your Garden

Dragonflies, especially the colorful skimmer varieties, are among the most striking insects you can welcome into your garden.

Known for their vibrant colors, unique wing patterns, and graceful flight, dragonflies don’t just look beautiful—they also help control pests like mosquitoes, making them beneficial garden allies.

Skimmers, a subgroup of dragonflies, are known for their assertive nature and territorial displays. These insects often visit gardens where they can find food, water, and spots to perch.

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By planting nectar-rich, insect-attracting plants, you create an ideal environment that draws dragonflies, giving you natural pest control and a vibrant addition to your garden.

Below are six plants that are particularly effective at attracting dragonflies and adding beauty to your outdoor space.

1. Aster (Aster spp.)

Asters are perennials that produce daisy-like flowers in a variety of colors, creating a lovely display from late summer to fall. Their nectar-rich flowers attract insects that serve as food for dragonflies.

Asters thrive in full sun and come in a range of sizes, from compact 6-inch varieties to towering plants up to 6 feet tall. They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and add a vibrant touch of color to any garden.

2. Cleome (Cleome hasslerana)

Known for its unique spider-shaped flowers, Cleome (or spider flower) is an annual that blooms from early summer until the first frost. Its height, reaching 4 to 6 feet, makes it easy for dragonflies to spot and perch on.

Cleome’s flowers attract a variety of insects, giving dragonflies a steady food source. This plant thrives in full sun and is frost-tolerant, making it a great addition for attracting dragonflies throughout the warm months.

3. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)

Echinacea, also called coneflower, is a hardy perennial with long-lasting blooms that appear from summer to fall. It’s known for its drought tolerance and heat resistance, making it easy to care for in sunny locations.

Echinacea grows to 1 to 5 feet and does well in USDA zones 3 to 9. Its flowers attract insects that are essential to a dragonfly’s diet, and its bright colors add an appealing aesthetic to your garden.

4. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

Coreopsis is an easy-to-grow perennial or annual that produces a profusion of bright, daisy-like flowers from summer to fall. Its compact form, growing between 1 to 4 feet, and self-seeding nature make it a low-maintenance addition that dragonflies love.

Coreopsis does well in full sun and can thrive in zones 3 to 11. With its prolific blooms, it not only attracts insects but also brings vibrant color and charm to your garden.

5. Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.)

Also known as black-eyed Susan, Rudbeckia is a striking annual or perennial that blooms from summer to fall. This plant can reach up to 6 feet in height, though dwarf varieties are available for smaller spaces.

Its daisy-like flowers attract a variety of pollinators and other insects, making it ideal for attracting dragonflies looking for food. Rudbeckia grows best in full sun and can thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9.

6. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)

Zinnias are annuals that thrive in warm climates, blooming from summer until the first frost. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, adding diversity to your garden while attracting dragonflies.

Zinnias grow between 1 to 4 feet tall and do best in full sun. Their bright, open blooms attract plenty of insects, making them a perfect food source for dragonflies and a beautiful addition to your outdoor space.

Tips for Attracting Dragonflies

To make your garden even more appealing to dragonflies, consider adding a small water source, such as a birdbath or pond, as dragonflies are naturally drawn to water.

Providing a mix of sun and shade will also encourage dragonflies to visit, as they often enjoy warming up on sunny stones.

By planting any or all of these six plants, you can create a dragonfly-friendly environment that enhances your garden’s beauty while keeping pesky insects at bay.