The Pink-Blooming Plant That Will Have Dragonflies Flocking To Your Yard

Avid gardeners know that the key to a lush landscape is pollinators. Butterflies, bees and tons of other insects including flies, beetles, and wasps, act as pollinators. And the more of these bugs you have zipping around blooms, the more likely you are to attract dragonflies: Predatory insects that feast on these bugs.

There's one pink-blooming plant that not only attracts pollinators, but also thrives in the same marshy habitat where dragonflies live. Enter the Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium spp.). Native to North America, this hardy summer flower can reach heights of 5 feet and tolerates drought and full sun. But don't let the name fool you! This "weed" actually produces gorgeous pink and purplish blooms that come back year after year. 

When you plant Joe-Pye weed in your garden, you'll soon find it attracting all sorts of insects, who love landing on the fan-like flowers and feasting on their leaves. In addition, more than 35 species of moths and butterflies use the plant as a host. Those are just some of the top reasons to consider planting sweet Joe-Pye weed in your garden. Soon, this billowy, beautiful plant will draw dragonflies to your yard too!

Joe-Pye weed is a member of the Aster family, with blooms that smell like vanilla and last from the middle of summer up until fall. The plant does best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9, and while it's known for dotting the edges of ponds and wetlands, it does best in well-draining soil. That said, Joe-Pye weed needs consistent watering to maintain soil moisture, something that mulch will help with. Many gardeners find the plant does well in ditches or low-lying areas that retain water after it rains. 

This pretty plant needs full to partial sun and makes a great addition to pollinator and native plant gardens. As a taller plant, it will look best in the back of your beds where it won't overshadow shorter plants and can shine without the need for staking. Be sure to use this fall pruning trick that keeps little Joe-Pye weed coming back every year. While it's easy to grow, keep in mind there are some pesky problems you might encounter when growing Joe-Pye weed.

There are a few stories about how Joe-Pye weed got its name. Some believe it was named after a Native American medicine man who used it to treat fevers, and others say it was named for a specific chief in the Mohican tribe living in New York, named Joseph Shauquethqueat. Historians believe the plant was given its common name by European settlers who were taught how to use it as a life-saving remedy.

Dragonflies can be lured into your garden with Joe-Pye weed because they're primarily carnivores who eat other insects, including a broad range of pollinators. The more pollinators you have zipping through your yard on their way to the colorful blooms, the more likely you are to attract dragonflies. You'll find that the dragonfly's natural habitat is also around ponds, streams and rivers, which is exactly where Joe-Pye weed loves to grow.

There are tons of perks to having dragonflies as your neighbors. First, they offer some of the best, all-natural mosquito control. These fast-moving insects eat hundreds of mosquitoes daily with ease, making your backyard that much easier to enjoy. Secondly, dragonflies act as accidental pollinators. While they don't feast on flower nectar, they do regularly hunt around the blooms where their prey is found, which means they're often pollinating plants through their daily activity. Finally, dragonflies are just plain cool. These iridescent insects move gracefully and are fun to observe, adding a magical touch to your landscape.