Ladybugs are the symbol of organic gardening and are the most beloved insects of gardeners and farmers who do not use pesticides.
Ladybugs are friendly insects they feed mainly on aphids, scales, and their eggs, they also eat mealybugs and other parasitic pests like white flies.
In their life cycle, it is calculated that they can feed on more than 5,000 prey. Lady bugs also eat pollen of a few plants so if you want to attract them to your garden, these plants are most recommended.
Here we’ve listed 10 beautiful plants that attract ladybugs in the garden and you can grow a few of these plants to lure them in abundance.
1.Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum are pretty flowers that bloom in clusters. This mildly fragrant annual is preferred by ladybugs. Growing sweet alyssum is easy once the temperature is around 60 – 65 F (15 – 18 C).
2. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is one of the most beautiful plants that attract ladybugs. They also attract butterflies that is why they are called butterfly weed. Its flowers have a bright attractive color that attracts many pollinators such as lady beetles.
3. Garlic
Growing does not need an introduction. It is one of the most popular plants that attract ladybugs. Dues to its smell, garlic does not only attract ladybugs but also keeps pests away. It also repels many harmful insects such as:
- flies
- mosquitoes
4. Bachelor’s Button
Also called “Blue Button” or “Corn Flower” this plant belongs to the aster family. Its eye-catching blue flowers and pollen lure ladybugs. Bachelor’s button flowers also come in pink and white color. These American wild flowers are easy to grow and low maintenance.
5. Calendula
This is another member of the aster family that is beautiful, ornamental and most of all can attract ladybugs. Calendula is an edible flowering herb that is used in making tea. Due to its beautiful shape and its lovely color is widely grown in containers for decoration.
However, growing it in your garden is recommended as it attracts many pollinators. Besides, it blooms in summer creating a very pleasant view.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro is a sweet and intensely aromatic herb, used aggressively in South Asian cuisines. You can grow cilantro in your garden, its smell attract ladybugs.
7. Dill
Dill is another popular herb that attracts ladybugs. This leafy herb is widely used in cooking. It is also used to protect tomatoes from hornworms. Grow them next to your tomatoes to repel hornworms. Dill is a good companion to flowers and vegetables. Besides, it is easy to grow and it can be grown in pots too.
8. Parsley
Parsley is one of the most common herbs. Parsley is popular not only because it is easy to grow but also because it is very healthy and delicious. Parsley is known for its ability to attract ladybugs.
9. Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace is also called Wild Carrot and Bishop’s Lace. It has alluring elegant white flowers and edible roots. Its roots are similar to carrots’ roots. Queen Anne’s Lace attracts:
- ladybugs
- wasps
- bees
10. Geranium
Ladybugs love geranium. Geranium is a recommended plant because it is easy to grow, low maintenance and beneficial. Besides keeping away mosquitoes and other harmful insects, geranium attracts:
- moths
- ladybugs
- butterflies
Via gardeningsoul