Best Plants for Attracting Scarlet Skimmer Dragonflies

Dragonflies are among the most captivating insects found near bodies of water, and the Scarlet Skimmer (Crocothemis servilia) is one of the most vibrant and easily recognizable species. Known for its brilliant red coloration and agile flight, the Scarlet Skimmer is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also a beneficial predator that helps control mosquito populations. If you want to attract these stunning dragonflies to your garden or pond area, selecting the right plants is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best plants for attracting Scarlet Skimmer dragonflies, focusing on those that provide habitat, perching spots, and breeding grounds essential for their lifecycle.

Understanding Scarlet Skimmer Dragonflies

Before diving into plant recommendations, it’s helpful to understand a bit about the Scarlet Skimmer’s habitat needs:

• Habitat: Scarlet Skimmers thrive in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving streams.
• Breeding: Their larvae (nymphs) develop underwater among submerged vegetation.
• Perching: Adult dragonflies often perch on emergent plants near water to rest, hunt, and defend territory.
• Diet: They feed on small flying insects like mosquitoes and flies, which are attracted to water plants.

With these points in mind, the key to attracting Scarlet Skimmers lies in creating a garden environment that mimics their natural habitat—plentiful water with diverse plant life both above and below the surface.

Aquatic Plants for Attracting Scarlet Skimmers

Aquatic plants form the foundation of a dragonfly-friendly habitat. They offer breeding sites for larvae and perching areas for adults.

1. Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.)

Water lilies are iconic aquatic plants with large floating leaves and beautiful blossoms. They provide shade and shelter beneath the water’s surface where dragonfly nymphs can hide from predators. Additionally, their sturdy leaves serve as perfect resting spots for adult Scarlet Skimmers.

• Benefits: Shade helps regulate water temperature; broad leaves offer perches; flowers attract other insects for food.
• Planting tip: Ensure water lilies have sufficient sunlight (6+ hours daily) and plant them in containers if your pond has fish that may disturb roots.

2. Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)

Pickerelweed is an emergent aquatic plant with tall spikes of violet-blue flowers. It thrives in shallow water zones around ponds and marsh edges.

• Benefits: Provides vertical perching sites; flowers attract pollinators that serve as prey; dense root systems stabilize pond edges.
• Planting tip: Plant pickerelweed in muddy or sandy substrates along pond margins about 6 to 18 inches deep.

3. Cattails (Typha spp.)

Cattails are classic wetland plants known for their tall brown flower spikes. They grow best in marshy or shallow water areas.

• Benefits: Offer numerous vertical perches; dense stands provide shelter from wind; support insect populations.
• Planting tip: Control spread by planting in designated areas or containers since cattails can be invasive.

4. Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum)

Hornwort is a submerged aquatic plant that grows densely underwater without roots in soil—ideal for oxygenating water habitats.

• Benefits: Provides cover for dragonfly larvae; improves water quality by absorbing excess nutrients; dense growth deters fish that prey on nymphs.
• Planting tip: Drop hornwort into ponds; it grows quickly but can be trimmed back if necessary.

Marginal Plants That Support Dragonflies

Marginal or shoreline plants grow at the interface of land and water and are critical because they provide resting sites close to both air and aquatic environments.

5. Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)

Arrowhead has arrow-shaped leaves and produces white flowers on tall stems. This emergent plant is common in wetlands.

• Benefits: Offers perching sites close to water; flowers attract insects; roots help stabilize soil at water edges.
• Planting tip: Thrives in muddy soils with standing shallow water up to 6 inches deep.

6. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)

Blue Flag Iris produces striking blue-purple flowers above sword-like leaves, growing naturally in wet meadows or pond margins.

• Benefits: Provides strong vertical structures for perching; attracts pollinators; adds aesthetic appeal.
• Planting tip: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils near ponds.

7. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

A bright yellow-flowered perennial found in marshes and wet woodlands.

• Benefits: Early spring bloom supports early-season insect activity; dense foliage offers cover; prefers consistently moist soil.
• Planting tip: Plant where soil remains saturated during most of the year.

Terrestrial Plants That Complement Dragonfly Habitats

While aquatic and marginal plants are vital, terrestrial plants near water bodies also enhance habitat quality by attracting insects that dragonflies prey upon.

8. Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

Milkweed attracts butterflies, bees, and various small insects which become prey for adult dragonflies.

• Benefits: Supports high insect biodiversity; easy to grow from seed; important native plant for pollinators.
• Planting tip: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure near ponds or wetlands.

9. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

Goldenrod blooms late summer into fall with dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers that attract a wide variety of insects.

• Benefits: Extends food availability late into the season; provides perching opportunities on tall stems.
• Planting tip: Tolerates various soil types but prefers sunny locations.

10. Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

This tall wildflower produces large clusters of pinkish-purple flowers attractive to many pollinators.

• Benefits: Adds height variation around pond edges; serves as perch points; supports insect populations year-round.
• Planting tip: Prefers moist soils with ample sunlight but tolerates some shade.

Additional Tips for Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Garden

Alongside choosing appropriate plants, consider these factors:

Maintain Clean Water

Scarlet Skimmers require clean freshwater habitats free from pollutants such as pesticides or excessive fertilizers which harm larvae development.

Provide Varied Perching Sites

Dragonflies enjoy perching on sticks, rocks, emergent stems, or even artificial structures like stakes or bamboo poles placed around ponds.

Avoid Fish That Prey on Larvae

Fish like koi or bass may consume dragonfly nymphs heavily. If you want to encourage breeding populations, either exclude such fish or create refuges with dense submerged vegetation where nymphs can hide safely.

Incorporate Open Sunlit Areas

Dragonflies are ectothermic (cold-blooded) insects needing sunlight to raise their body temperature for flight activity. Open sunny patches without heavy shading are ideal alongside vegetated areas.

Conclusion

Attracting Scarlet Skimmer dragonflies involves thoughtful planting around your pond or wetland area to replicate their natural habitat needs. Aquatic plants like water lilies and pickerelweed provide crucial breeding grounds and perches, while marginal plants such as arrowhead and blue flag iris offer additional resting spots close to water’s edge. Complementary terrestrial flowering plants like milkweed and goldenrod increase insect biodiversity—ensuring plenty of food sources for these graceful fliers.

By combining these plant choices with good water quality management and habitat structure, you can enjoy the dazzling presence of Scarlet Skimmer dragonflies fluttering around your garden throughout warm months—their vivid red hues lighting up your landscape while contributing to a balanced ecosystem.