20 Amazing Plants That Attract Dragonflies and Repel Mosquitoes
Have you ever wanted a natural way to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay while inviting beautiful dragonflies to your garden? Dragonflies are not just stunning to watch, they’re incredible pest controllers, consuming hundreds of mosquitoes each day.
The secret to attracting these garden allies lies in the right plants. As an experienced gardener, I’ve found that certain plants can create the perfect habitat for dragonflies while repelling mosquitoes naturally.
Now, let me guide you through 20 amazing plants that will make your outdoor space a haven for these graceful insects while keeping mosquitoes at a distance.
#1. Water Lilies
Dragonflies love water, and water lilies are the perfect addition to any pond or water feature. Their floating leaves provide shade and resting spots for dragonflies while discouraging mosquito larvae from developing by reducing open water surfaces.
You should plant hardy water lilies in full sun and shallow water for the best results.
#2. Cattails
Cattails are classic wetland plants that attract dragonflies by offering them tall stems for perching and a habitat for their larvae.
The dense foliage of cattails also makes it harder for mosquitoes to breed. Cattails thrive in shallow water and need full sun to grow well.
#3. Horsetail Reed
Horsetail reed is another water-loving plant that dragonflies adore. Its upright, reed-like structure provides an ideal environment for dragonfly nymphs to climb out of the water and mature into adults.
Horsetail is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist, boggy soil.
#4. Pickerelweed
With its vibrant purple flowers, pickerelweed not only attracts dragonflies but also beautifies your pond or water garden.
It grows along the edges of water, where dragonflies lay their eggs. Plant pickerelweed in full sun and shallow water for optimal growth.
#5. Arrowhead
Arrowhead plants, with their unique arrow-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers, are great for attracting dragonflies.
They thrive in wet conditions and create a barrier that discourages mosquitoes. Place arrowhead plants in water depths of 2-6 inches for best results.
#6. Wild Celery
Wild celery is a submerged aquatic plant that dragonfly larvae use for shelter. Its ribbon-like leaves grow underwater, creating a safe space for nymphs while reducing mosquito larvae.
You can grow wild celery in ponds with clear, slow-moving water.
#7. Blue Flag Iris
Blue flag iris is a stunning wetland plant with showy purple flowers that attract dragonflies.
It thrives along pond edges, providing shade and habitat for dragonfly nymphs while discouraging mosquitoes. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist for healthy blooms.
#8. Swamp Milkweed
Swamp milkweed attracts both dragonflies and pollinators like butterflies. This hardy perennial grows in wet conditions and adds beauty to your garden with its pink or white flowers.
Swamp milkweed also repels mosquitoes with its natural compounds.
#9. Papyrus
Papyrus adds a tropical touch to your garden and serves as a prime dragonfly habitat.
Its tall stems and umbrella-like tops are perfect for dragonflies to perch on. Plant papyrus in shallow water or soggy soil in full sun.
#10. Marsh Marigold
With its bright yellow flowers, marsh marigold attracts dragonflies and brightens any water feature. Its dense growth reduces open water areas, making it harder for mosquitoes to breed.
Plant marsh marigolds in shallow water or moist soil with partial shade.
#11. Pondweed
Pondweed is a submerged aquatic plant that provides an essential habitat for dragonfly larvae. Its underwater leaves create a safe environment for nymphs and hinder mosquito development.
Pondweed is excellent for improving water quality by oxygenating the pond.
#12. Joe-Pye Weed
Joe-Pye weed is a tall, flowering perennial that dragonflies love. Its pinkish-purple blooms attract dragonflies while its height provides a natural resting spot.
Joe-Pye weed thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
#13. Yarrow
Yarrow’s tiny, clustered flowers attract dragonflies and other beneficial insects.
Its natural pest-repellent properties help keep mosquitoes at bay. Plant yarrow in well-drained soil and full sun.
#14. Lavender
Lavender’s strong scent is known to repel mosquitoes, while its flowers attract dragonflies.
It’s a dual-purpose plant that adds beauty and functionality to your garden. Lavender prefers full sun and dry, well-drained soil.
#15. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a magnet for dragonflies and pollinators alike. Its colorful blooms and fragrant leaves also repel mosquitoes. Plant bee balm in rich, moist soil with good air circulation.
#16. Catmint
Catmint is another mosquito-repelling plant that dragonflies love.
Its fragrant purple flowers are low-maintenance and look stunning in garden borders. Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
#17. Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth’s floating leaves and purple flowers provide shade and shelter for dragonfly larvae while discouraging mosquito breeding.
Water hyacinth can be invasive, so keep it contained in small ponds or tubs.
#18. Goldenrod
Goldenrod’s tall, yellow flower spikes attract dragonflies and repel mosquitoes naturally.
It’s a hardy perennial that thrives in various soil types. Goldenrod also supports pollinators like bees and butterflies.
#19. Mint
Mint’s strong aroma is a natural mosquito repellent, and its flowers attract dragonflies.
Plant it in containers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Mint thrives in moist, partially shaded areas.
#20. Buttercups
Buttercups’ bright yellow blooms attract dragonflies while their dense foliage discourages mosquitoes.
They thrive in moist, sunny spots. Buttercups prefer rich, well-draining soil and moderate watering.
