By planting the following eight flowers, you are providing a permanent “resort” for your ladybug army.
1. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Often called “Pot Marigold,” Calendula is a powerhouse in the organic garden. Its bright orange and yellow petals are a beacon for beneficial insects.
Why ladybugs love it:
Calendula produces an abundance of sticky resin and accessible pollen. It is also a fantastic “trap crop” for aphids.
The aphids are often attracted to the succulent stems of the Calendula, which in turn provides a concentrated “buffet” for the ladybugs. This keeps the pests off your more prized vegetables while keeping the predators fed and happy.
2. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is an essential herb for the kitchen, but its umbrella-shaped flower clusters (umbels) are the real star in the garden ecosystem.
Why ladybugs love it:
Ladybugs have relatively small mouthparts. They prefer tiny, shallow flowers where the nectar is easily accessible.
The flat, wide landing pads of dill flowers are perfect for ladybugs to land on and feast. Dill also attracts hoverflies and lacewings, which are secondary beneficial predators that work alongside ladybugs.
3. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
