15 Plants to Attract Dragonflies in Central Indiana
It’s that time of year, when the birds are chirping and the bees start buzzing which means the enemy mosquito is preparing to hatch and come out HUNGRY…hungry for you. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spray chemicals on my yard or body to enjoy a backyard BBQ so here is a step you can take to work with nature in your defense against these blood thirsty fliers.
I have selected plants that are native and grow easily in our area and then chose three common moisture levels for our varying landscapes. So grab some plants and a shovel to start digging your natural fortress and watch for the winged army of Eastern Pondhawks and Twelve-Spotted Skimmers to battle those pesky bugs for you.
Here we go.
Aquatic and Wetland Plants (For Ponds and Rain Gardens)
These plants thrive in or near water, providing breeding sites and perching spots for dragonflies in Central Indiana’s wet areas.
American Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Broad leaves offer resting and egg-laying surfaces; white or pink flowers attract pollinators, a dragonfly food source.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native to Indiana; hardy in zones 4–10, tolerates winter freezes.
Care Tips: Plant tubers in pots with loamy soil, cover with gravel, and submerge in ponds (6–18 inches deep). Needs full sun (6+ hours). Mulch pond edges to retain moisture.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; manage spread in small ponds.
Common Cattail (Typha latifolia)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Dense stands provide perches and nymph shelter; attracts pollinators.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; thrives in Indiana’s wetlands, zones 2–11.
Care Tips: Plant in shallow water (3–6 inches) or wet clay soil. Full sun to partial shade. Contain in pots to prevent spread in small ponds.
Invasiveness: Aggressive spreader; use barriers or remove excess growth.
Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Heart-shaped leaves and white flowers offer egg-laying sites and perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; common in Indiana marshes, zones 4–10.
Care Tips: Plant in shallow water (up to 12 inches) or moist soil, full sun. Anchor roots in clay-heavy soil.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; forms colonies in wet conditions.
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Blue flower spikes serve as perches; foliage supports egg-laying.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; suited to Indiana’s wet summers, zones 3–10.
Care Tips: Grow in shallow water (6–12 inches) or wet soil, full sun. Space 2–3 feet apart. Protect from late spring frosts.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; moderate spread.
Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Upright stems provide perches and egg-laying sites.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; grows in Indiana’s wet areas, zones 4–11.
Care Tips: Plant in shallow water or wet soil, full sun to partial shade. Contain in pots to control spread in clay soils.
Invasiveness: Aggressive; use barriers to prevent takeover.
Marginal and Moist-Soil Plants (For Pond Edges and Rain Gardens)
These plants grow along water edges or in moist Indiana soils, offering perches and attracting prey insects.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Pink-white flowers attract pollinators; tall stalks are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; thrives in Indiana’s moist soils, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in moist clay soil or near water, full sun. Space 2–3 feet. Tolerates summer humidity.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; slow-spreading via seeds.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Pink-purple flower clusters attract pollinators; sturdy stems are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; ideal for Indiana’s moist areas, zones 4–9.
Care Tips: Grow in moist, well-drained soil, full to partial sun. Deadhead to control reseeding. Protect from early fall frosts.
Invasiveness: Can reseed; manage spent flowers.
Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Vibrant flowers and leaves provide perches; attracts pollinators.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; common in Indiana wetlands, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in shallow water (up to 4 inches) or moist soil, full sun to partial shade. Amend clay soil with organic matter.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; slow-spreading.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Red flowers attract pollinators; tall stems are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; suited to Indiana’s wet areas, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in moist soil or shallow water, partial shade. Mulch to retain moisture in summer.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; self-seeds moderately.
Wild Celery (Vallisneria americana)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Submerged foliage offers egg-laying sites and nymph shelter.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; grows in Indiana ponds, zones 4–10.
Care Tips: Plant in ponds, full sun to partial shade, 1–3 feet deep. Ensure stable water levels.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; can spread in ideal conditions.
Pollinator-Friendly Plants (For Dry or Average Soils)
These plants attract pollinators (dragonfly prey) and provide perches in Central Indiana’s gardens.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Yellow-orange flowers attract pollinators; sturdy stems are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; thrives in Indiana’s summers, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil, full sun. Drought-tolerant; deadhead for longer blooms.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; self-seeds.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Pollen-rich blooms attract pollinators; tall stalks are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; tolerates Indiana’s clay soils, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Grow in well-drained soil, full sun. Low maintenance; amend soil with compost.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; slow-spreading.
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Lavender flowers attract pollinators; upright stems are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; suited to Indiana’s climate, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought; prune to prevent mildew in humid summers.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; spreads moderately.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: Purple flowers attract pollinators; tall stalks are perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; thrives in Indiana’s moist soils, zones 3–8.
Care Tips: Grow in moist, well-drained soil, full sun. Pinch back in June for bushier growth.
Invasiveness: Non-invasive; can spread in wet areas.
White Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Why It Attracts Dragonflies: White flower clusters attract pollinators; stems offer perches.
Adaptation to Central Indiana: Native; tolerates Indiana’s dry spells, zones 3–9.
Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil, full sun. Cut back after flowering to control spread.
Invasiveness: Can spread via rhizomes; choose native varieties.
Tips for a Dragonfly-Friendly Garden in Central Indiana
Plant Diversity: Use aquatic, marginal, and pollinator plants to support dragonflies like the Blue Dasher. Native plants suit Indiana’s clay soils and climate.
Perching Spots: Add tall plants and flat rocks in sunny spots for dragonflies to rest.
Avoid Pesticides: Use organic methods to protect dragonflies and pollinators, critical in Indiana’s mosquito-heavy summers.
Seasonal Care: Protect plants from late spring frosts (common in Central Indiana until mid-May) and ensure ponds don’t dry out in July–August droughts.
Why These Plants Work in Central Indiana
These plants are native and naturally align with Indiana’s ecology:
Aquatic plants (e.g., water lilies, cattails) support dragonfly nymphs in ponds.
Marginal plants (e.g., swamp milkweed, cardinal flower) thrive in moist clay soils, offering perches.
Pollinator plants (e.g., coneflower, bergamot) attract prey insects, sustaining adult dragonflies.
This mix creates a habitat for dragonflies, reduces mosquitoes, and enhances biodiversity in Central Indiana
