Dragonflies are fascinating creatures that are often attracted to certain types of plants and flowers. One of the main things that dragonflies are attracted to is colorful blooms. They are particularly drawn to flowers that are vibrant and eye-catching. These flowers act as beacons, signaling to dragonflies that there may be a potential food source nearby. So, if you want to attract dragonflies to your garden or outdoor space, consider planting a variety of colorful flowers that will catch their attention.
Some specific plants that dragonflies are known to be attracted to include black-eyed Susans, meadow sage, yarrow, and borage. These plants not only have beautiful, vibrant blooms but also provide sturdy stems and leaves that can act as perches for dragonflies. Dragonflies often perch on plants to rest and observe their surroundings, so having plants with suitable perching surfaces is important.
Black-eyed Susans, with their yellow and orange petals, are particularly attractive to dragonflies. They provide a bold splash of color and can be easily spotted by these insects. Meadow sage, also known as salvia, produces spiky clusters of flowers in various shades of purple, blue, and pink. Dragonflies are often seen hovering around these plants, drawn to their vibrant hues.
Yarrow is another plant that dragonflies find appealing. With its flat-topped clusters of tiny, tightly-packed flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red, yarrow is a favorite among many gardeners and dragonfly enthusiasts alike. The delicate structure of yarrow flowers makes them easily accessible for dragonflies, allowing them to feed on nectar while perching on the plant.
Borage, with its striking blue flowers, is yet another plant that dragonflies are known to be attracted to. Borage not only provides a vibrant splash of color but also has a unique way of attracting dragonflies. The flowers of borage change color as they age, starting out as pink buds and gradually turning into vibrant blue blossoms. This color transformation is believed to be particularly appealing to dragonflies, who are drawn to the changing hues.
In addition to these specific plants, it’s important to create a dragonfly-friendly environment by incorporating other elements into your outdoor space. Dragonflies are attracted to bodies of water, so having a pond or a water feature can greatly increase the chances of attracting these insects. The presence of water allows dragonflies to lay their eggs and provides a habitat for their larvae to develop.
Furthermore, having a variety of plants and flowers in your garden will attract a diverse range of insects, which in turn will attract dragonflies. Dragonflies primarily feed on other insects, so having an abundance of prey will make your garden more enticing to them. Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm the insects that dragonflies feed on, and instead, focus on creating a balanced ecosystem that supports a healthy population of beneficial insects.
In my personal experience, I have noticed an increase in dragonfly activity in my garden after planting a mix of colorful flowers and incorporating a small pond. The dragonflies not only add beauty and interest to the space but also help control the population of pesky insects like mosquitoes.
To summarize, dragonflies are attracted to colorful blooms and plants with leaves and stems that can act as perches. Some specific plants that attract dragonflies include black-eyed Susans, meadow sage, yarrow, and borage. Creating a dragonfly-friendly environment with a water source and a diverse range of plants will increase the likelihood of attracting these fascinating insects to your outdoor space.