If you want a thriving garden full of beneficial insects, lacewings are a must-have. These delicate insects are voracious predators of pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. To attract lacewings to your garden, it’s essential to provide them with the plants they love. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 12 plants for attracting lacewings in 2024.
Lacewings, also known as “aphid lions,” are attracted to plants that have nectar-rich flowers. These small, green insects have delicate lace-like wings and are most active during the evening hours. By planting the right flowers, you’ll not only provide a food source for adult lacewings but also a breeding ground for their larvae, which are even more voracious predators.
One of the top plants lacewings love is the dill herb. Its feathery leaves and clusters of small yellow flowers are a magnet for these beneficial insects. Other herbs like fennel, coriander, and chervil are also great choices for attracting lacewings. Their delicate flowers and strong fragrance are irresistible to these predators.
Another group of plants that lacewings find irresistible are the umbelliferous plants. These include members of the carrot family such as carrots, parsley, and celery. The tiny flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters provide an abundant nectar source for adult lacewings, while the dense foliage offers a perfect hiding spot for their eggs.
Top 12 Plants for Attracting Lacewings
Lacewings are beneficial insects that can help control aphids, mites, and other garden pests. To attract lacewings to your garden, consider planting the following plants:
1. Dill
Dill is not only a popular culinary herb but also an excellent plant for attracting lacewings. Its delicate flowers produce nectar that lacewings feed on while its foliage provides shelter for their eggs.
2. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a beautiful flowering plant that blooms in late summer and attracts lacewings with its abundant nectar. The plant’s bright yellow flowers are a favorite food source for adult lacewings.
3. Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial with clusters of small flowers that attract lacewings. Its feathery foliage also provides a hiding place for the lacewing larvae.
4. Cosmos
Cosmos plants have colorful and daisy-like flowers that lacewings find irresistible. The abundant pollen and nectar from these flowers make them a favorite feeding spot for lacewings.
5. Alyssum
Alyssum is a low-growing annual plant that has tiny, fragrant flowers that attract lacewings. Its delicate blossoms provide a good source of nectar for adult lacewings.
6. Fennel
Fennel is a perennial herb with feathery foliage and yellow flowers that lacewings love. The plant’s strong scent and pollen-rich flowers make it an attractive feeding ground for lacewings.
7. Marigold
Marigolds not only add color to your garden but also attract lacewings with their bright flowers. These flowers produce abundant nectar that lacewings enjoy.
8. Queen Anne’s Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace is a wildflower with delicate white flowers that lacewings are attracted to. The plant’s umbrella-shaped flower clusters provide a convenient landing spot for lacewings.
9. Sunflower
Sunflowers are not only beautiful to look at but also a great way to attract lacewings. These tall and bright flowers produce abundant nectar that lacewings find irresistible.
10. Zinnia
Zinnias are vibrant annual flowers that are highly attractive to lacewings. Their colorful and daisy-like blooms provide a good source of nectar for lacewings.
11. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is another low-growing annual plant that lacewings are fond of. Its white and fragrant flowers are a rich source of nectar for adult lacewings.
12. Statice
Statice is a hardy perennial that produces clusters of small, colorful flowers that attract lacewings. The plant’s long-lasting blooms provide a reliable food source for lacewings throughout the season.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create an environment that will attract lacewings and benefit your garden by naturally controlling garden pests.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful, aromatic plant that is commonly known for its purple flowers and soothing scent. It attracts lacewings and other beneficial insects to your garden, making it a must-have for any flower lover.
Lacewings are attracted to lavender because it provides them with a reliable source of nectar and pollen. The flowers are highly attractive to lacewings due to their bright color and abundant supply of pollen. These insects are essential for your garden as they help control pest populations, including aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. By attracting lacewings to your garden with lavender, you can create a natural pest control system without the need for harmful chemical sprays.
In addition to attracting lacewings, lavender also adds beauty and fragrance to your garden. The delicate purple flowers create a stunning display and can be used in various ways, such as in floral arrangements or potpourri. The scent of lavender is also known to have a calming effect on people, making it a favorite choice for aromatherapy and relaxation.
Planting and Care
Lavender is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It is best to plant lavender in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed. When planting, make sure to space the plants at least 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation. Lavender requires minimal watering once established, so be careful not to overwater the plants.
To care for lavender, it is important to prune the plants regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Pruning should be done in early spring or after the flowers have faded. It is also advisable to fertilize the plants once a year in the spring using a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for lavender.
Varieties
There are several varieties of lavender available, each with its unique characteristics. The most common varieties include English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Spanish lavender (Lavandula dentata). English lavender is the most widely grown variety and is known for its strong fragrance and compact growth habit. French lavender has a more vibrant flower color and is often used in decorative containers. Spanish lavender is distinguished by its serrated leaves and long-lasting blooms.
In conclusion, lavender is not only a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden but also a magnet for lacewings and other beneficial insects. By planting lavender, you can attract these helpful creatures and create a thriving garden that is both visually appealing and pest-free.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are large, vibrant flowers that are known for their tall stalks, bright yellow petals, and dark centers. These stunning flowers not only add beauty to your garden, but they also attract lacewings, which are beneficial predators that feed on aphids, caterpillars, and other garden pests.
Lacewings are attracted to sunflowers because of their large size and bright color. The nectar and pollen of sunflowers serve as a food source for adult lacewings, while the dense foliage provides a sheltered environment for lacewing larvae to develop. By planting sunflowers in your garden, you can create an inviting habitat for lacewings and encourage these beneficial insects to stick around.
In addition to their attractiveness to lacewings, sunflowers are also great for attracting other pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Their large, open blooms make it easy for these insects to access the nectar and pollen they need for energy and reproduction. Sunflowers are also known to produce a lot of nectar, making them a reliable food source for pollinators throughout the summer.
When planting sunflowers, choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Sunflowers are not picky about soil fertility and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. However, adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting can improve its fertility and drainage. Sow the sunflower seeds directly into the ground after the last frost, at a depth of approximately 1 inch. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Once the sunflowers start to grow, they will require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent the development of fungal diseases. Deadheading spent blooms can promote continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding, although leaving some flower heads on the plants can provide food for birds during the winter.
Overall, sunflowers are an excellent addition to any garden, attracting lacewings and other beneficial insects while providing a stunning display of color. So, why not plant some sunflowers this year and enjoy the benefits they bring to your garden?
Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a beautiful flowering plant that is known for attracting lacewings to your garden. Lacewings are beneficial insects that help control pests like aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, making them a great addition to any garden. Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
There are many different varieties of coreopsis available, with colors ranging from bright yellow to deep red. Some popular varieties include Coreopsis grandiflora, Coreopsis tinctoria, and Coreopsis lanceolata. These plants generally have daisy-like flowers and are known for their long blooming period, providing a beautiful display throughout the summer months.
To attract lacewings to your garden, it is important to choose the right variety of coreopsis and provide the ideal growing conditions. Lacewings are attracted to plants with small, nectar-rich flowers, and coreopsis fits the bill perfectly. You can plant coreopsis in sunny areas with well-drained soil and provide regular watering to keep the plants healthy and blooming.
Variety | Color | Blooming Period |
---|---|---|
Coreopsis grandiflora | Yellow | Summer |
Coreopsis tinctoria | Mix of red, yellow, and orange | Summer to fall |
Coreopsis lanceolata | Yellow | Spring to summer |
In addition to attracting lacewings, coreopsis is also a great plant for attracting other beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Its bright flowers and long blooming period make it a popular choice for pollinators. To make your garden even more attractive to lacewings and other beneficial insects, you can also include other plants that they are known to be attracted to, such as dill, fennel, and yarrow.
Benefits of Coreopsis
There are several benefits of growing coreopsis in your garden:
1. Natural pest control:
Lacewings attracted to coreopsis help control pests like aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
2. Beautiful flowers:
Coreopsis produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers that add color and beauty to your garden.
3. Low maintenance:
Coreopsis is a hardy plant that requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for busy gardeners.
With its attractive flowers and ability to attract lacewings and other beneficial insects, coreopsis is a must-have plant for any garden. Add some coreopsis to your flower beds or containers and enjoy a thriving garden filled with vibrant blooms and natural pest control.
Question-answer:
What are lacewings and why are they important for gardens?
Lacewings are insects that belong to the family Chrysopidae. They are important for gardens because they are natural predators of many garden pests, such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars. By attracting lacewings to your garden, you can control these harmful insects without the need for chemical pesticides.
What are some plants that can attract lacewings to the garden?
Some plants that can attract lacewings to the garden are angelica, dill, fennel, yarrow, sweet alyssum, and cosmos. These plants produce nectar and pollen, which are a food source for adult lacewings. By planting them in your garden, you can create a favorable habitat for lacewings and encourage them to stay.
How can I create an inviting environment for lacewings in my garden?
To create an inviting environment for lacewings in your garden, you can provide them with shelter and water sources. Planting dense shrubs, such as euonymus or holly, can give lacewings a place to hide and lay their eggs. Additionally, you can place shallow containers filled with water and pebbles in your garden to provide them with a water source. These simple steps can help attract lacewings and support their populations in your garden.
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Reviews
Olivia Davis
This article on “Top 12 Plants for Attracting Lacewings in 2024 [Flowers Category] – Get a Thriving Garden!” is a fantastic guide for anyone, like me, who wants to create a beautiful and thriving garden while also promoting natural pest control. As a passionate gardener, I am always looking for ways to attract beneficial insects like lacewings to my garden. Lacewings are not only beautiful, but they also help control damaging pests like aphids. The article provides an informative and well-researched list of the top 12 plants that attract lacewings. I appreciate the inclusion of both annuals and perennials to cater to different gardening preferences. The detailed descriptions of each plant, along with their specific attributes that attract lacewings, are incredibly helpful. I particularly enjoyed reading about the benefits that lacewings bring to the garden. They not only help control aphid populations but also eat other damaging pests like whiteflies and mites. This natural pest control approach aligns with my desire to have a garden that is free from harmful chemicals. The article also offers practical tips on how to create an inviting environment for lacewings, such as providing shelter and water sources. These insights are invaluable for someone like me who wants to make sure my garden is a welcoming habitat for these beneficial insects. Overall, this article has provided me with a wealth of knowledge on attracting lacewings to my garden. I can’t wait to start incorporating these plants into my own garden and witness the beauty and benefits that lacewings bring. Thank you for this informative and inspiring guide!
David Johnson
I found this article about the top plants for attracting lacewings in 2024 in the flowers category. As an avid gardener, I’m always looking for ways to attract beneficial insects to my garden, and lacewings are definitely one of them. Their role in natural pest control is invaluable. The article provides a comprehensive list of the top 12 plants that can help me achieve a thriving garden. I’ve learned that lacewings are attracted to nectar-producing plants, so having a variety of flowering plants in my garden is important. The article mentions several great options, including cosmos, marigolds, and zinnias. These plants not only provide nectar for lacewings but also add beauty and color to my garden. I was also pleased to discover that some herbs can attract lacewings too. Herbs like dill, fennel, and coriander, which I already grow for culinary purposes, can also serve as a beacon for lacewings. It’s fascinating to see how nature works in harmony. Moreover, the article provides valuable tips on plant placement and garden design. For example, planting in clusters or blocks can create a more attractive environment for lacewings. I’ll definitely keep these suggestions in mind when planning my garden for the next season. Overall, this article has been a great resource for me. It not only introduced me to new plants that can attract lacewings but also provided useful tips on garden design. I can’t wait to incorporate these ideas into my gardening practices and create a thriving garden full of lacewings in 2024!
Maximus77
This article is a game-changer for my garden! As an avid gardener, I am always looking for ways to attract beneficial insects like lacewings, and this list of top 12 plants is exactly what I needed. I love how the article provides a detailed description of each plant and its specific benefits for attracting lacewings. It’s great to see options for various growing conditions and preferences. I can’t wait to get started on incorporating these plants into my garden. Not only will they make my garden look beautiful, but they will also help with natural pest control. Lacewings are known for their voracious appetite for garden pests, and having them around will significantly reduce the need for chemical pesticides. I appreciate the effort put into this article, as it provides valuable information for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Can’t wait to see my garden thriving with the presence of lacewings!
cutiepie98
I absolutely love this article on attracting lacewings to my garden! As an avid gardener, I’m always looking for ways to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem. Lacewings are excellent natural predators that feast on garden pests like aphids and mites. The top 12 plants recommended in this article, such as dill, coriander, and cosmos, are not only beautiful but also highly attractive to lacewings. I can’t wait to incorporate these plants into my garden next year and watch the lacewings thrive. This article provides valuable information, and I appreciate the detailed descriptions of each plant’s benefits. I’m excited to welcome these beneficial insects to my garden and enjoy the benefits of a pest-free and healthy environment. Thank you for sharing these tips and helping me create a beautiful and thriving garden!