What if the best mosquito killer you could get wasn’t a spray, a candle, or a trap — but a living creature that works 24/7, costs nothing, and looks spectacular doing it?
That’s a dragonfly. And once you understand what they’re capable of, you’ll want as many as possible in your yard.
A single dragonfly can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day. They’re among the most effective hunters in the insect world — catching up to 95% of the prey they chase. No chemical on the market comes close to that success rate. And unlike pesticides, dragonflies don’t harm your plants, your pets, or your family.
The secret to attracting them? The right plants. Here are 12 that dragonflies love — and that will turn your yard into a natural, chemical-free mosquito-free zone.
Why Dragonflies Are So Good at Killing Mosquitoes
Dragonflies don’t just eat mosquitoes as adults — they start hunting them as larvae. Dragonfly nymphs live in water and feed aggressively on mosquito larvae before they ever get a chance to hatch. So when you attract dragonflies, you’re cutting mosquito populations at two stages of their life cycle at once.
As adults, dragonflies are aerial acrobats. They can fly in all directions, hover in place, and snatch insects right out of the air with pinpoint accuracy. They’re so efficient that scientists have described them as one of the most successful predators on the planet.
Now, here’s how to get them to move into your yard.
The 12 Best Plants to Attract Dragonflies
1. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
This bold, orange-flowered native perennial is a magnet for pollinators of all kinds. Its nectar draws in the insects dragonflies love to hunt, and its sturdy stems provide perfect perching spots. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil — it’s drought-tolerant once established and nearly impossible to kill.
2. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Tall, dramatic, and covered in dusty pink-purple flowers in late summer, Joe-Pye weed gives dragonflies both a hunting ground and a high perch to survey their territory. It loves moist soil and blooms when many other plants are winding down — making it especially valuable in late-season gardens.
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Cheerful, tough, and incredibly easy to grow, black-eyed Susans bloom from midsummer well into fall. Their bright yellow petals attract a steady stream of small insects, which in turn attracts dragonflies. They thrive in full sun and almost any soil. Few plants do more work for less effort.
4. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Dragonflies love moisture, and swamp milkweed loves wet conditions — making this a perfect match. It produces clusters of fragrant pink flowers that support an entire ecosystem of beneficial insects. Plant it near a water feature or in a low-lying damp area for best results.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s flat-topped flower clusters are a natural landing pad for dragonflies looking for a rest between hunts. It blooms for months, tolerates drought, and comes in everything from white to deep red. One of the easiest perennials to grow and one of the most rewarding for wildlife.
6. Meadow Sage (Salvia pratensis)
The vertical spikes of blue and purple flowers that meadow sage produces in late spring are irresistible to pollinators — and where pollinators go, dragonflies follow. It’s fragrant, deer-resistant, and thrives in sunny spots with good drainage. A beautiful and hard-working plant.
7. Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are a garden staple for good reason. They bloom from midsummer to fall, their prominent central cones provide perfect perching spots for dragonflies, and their seed heads feed birds in winter. Plant in full sun and leave the spent heads standing through winter — the wildlife will thank you.
8. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Often blamed for hay fever (unfairly — that’s ragweed’s fault), goldenrod is actually one of the most wildlife-friendly plants you can grow. Its late-season yellow blooms support dozens of insect species right when most other food sources are gone. Dragonflies are drawn to the activity it creates.
9. Lavender (Lavandula)
You already know lavender is beautiful and fragrant. What you might not know is that it’s also a powerhouse insect attractor — and that means dragonflies will patrol areas where lavender grows looking for prey. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and repels pests while attracting beneficials. A true multitasker.
10. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Few plants are as vibrant or as wildlife-friendly as bee balm. Its shaggy red, pink, and purple flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and the insects that dragonflies hunt. It spreads readily in moist, rich soil and blooms from midsummer to early fall — filling the garden with color and life.
11. Blazing Star / Liatris (Liatris spicata)
Liatris is one of those plants that stops people in their tracks. Its tall, feathery purple spikes bloom from the top down, and they’re absolutely covered in pollinators from the moment they open. The vertical habit gives dragonflies excellent vantage points for spotting and chasing prey.
12. Asters (Aster)
Asters are the last big show of the gardening season. Blooming in fall when everything else is winding down, they provide a critical nectar source right when migrating insects need it most. Dragonflies that are building up energy for the season’s end will gravitate to gardens where asters are in full bloom.
One More Thing: Add a Water Feature
Plants will attract adult dragonflies — but if you want a truly thriving dragonfly population, add a small pond or water feature. Even a large container filled with water and a few aquatic plants will do. Dragonfly nymphs need water to develop, so giving them a place to breed means you’ll have generation after generation of natural mosquito control for years to come.
Keep the edges shallow and include some emergent plants like rushes or water iris for nymphs to climb when they’re ready to emerge as adults.
The Bigger Picture
Every one of the 12 plants on this list does double and triple duty. They’re beautiful. They feed pollinators. They support birds and beneficial insects. And they create the conditions dragonflies need to thrive.
Plant a few this season, add a small water feature if you can, and watch what happens. By midsummer, you may find your mosquito problem has quietly — and naturally — solved itself.
Do you have dragonflies visiting your yard? Which plants do you grow? Share in the comments below!
