Ladybugs not only look cute, but also play an important role as beneficial insects in the garden. They are very popular among gardeners who do not use pesticides as they could help greatly in aphid control. A ladybug can destroy up to 6,000 aphids in its life - a really good reason why you should attract more of them to your own garden. In addition to aphids, ladybugs eat pollen from some plant species. We introduce you to 17 of these plants that can help you attract multiple ladybugs to your garden.
Attract ladybugs with marigolds
The marigold (Calendula officinalis) comes from the Asteraceae family and is still known as a medicinal plant. It is an annual, herbaceous plant that blooms profusely in bright orange from June onwards. The garden marigold needs a lot of sun and only poor soil.
Cucumber herb or dill
The plant is known by the names dill, dill and cucumber herb. The Latin name is Anethum graveolens. Cucumber herb was known as a cultivated plant in ancient Egypt and today it is considered one of the most frequently used spices in Germany. Dill has no special requirements, but the plant grows best in soil rich in hummus and does not tolerate frost.
Ladybugs also like cornflowers
The cornflower (Centaurea cyanus, also known as cyanine) is an annual, herbaceous plant whose height can reach up to 100 cm. The plant species comes from the Mediterranean region and can now be found everywhere in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. They bloom either in spring or autumn and prefer sunny and partially shaded locations protected from the wind.
Coriander
True coriander (or Coriandrum Sativum) is often used as a medicinal or spice plant. It is believed that the plant's area of origin is the Mediterranean region. Coriander blooms from June to July, needs sufficient watering and grows best at temperatures of 5 to 25 °C.
Geranium
The cranesbill (Geranium) belongs to the cranesbill family and can easily be confused with the balcony plant Pelagronia. Geraniums love the sun, but some species grow very well in the shade. The soil must have a high lime content. The plant does not need additional winter protection as it can withstand temperatures down to -15°C.
rain fern
The rain farm (Tanacetum vulgare) is also called wormweed and belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a compass plant whose leaves point straight south in full sunlight. It is widespread in Europe and Asia and contains strong-smelling essential oils and some species are even suitable as ornamental plants.
Dandelion
Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a very common plant in Europe, which is also known as dandelion or cowflower. It grows best in a sunny or partially shaded location and needs loose, nutrient-rich soil. Additional fertilization is not necessary.
The jewelry basket
The plant (Cosmos bipinnatus) is also known as Cosmea. When planted in a sunny location, you will enjoy the beautiful flowers in bold colors from June to September. The ideal soil must be permeable and not so nutritious. Make sure that the jewelry basket is not winter hardy, so it needs to overwinter in a warmer location. The Cosmos flower comes from Central and South America and is now widespread worldwide.
Large cartilaginous carrot
The large cartilaginous carrot (Ammi majus) is an annual, herbaceous plant from the cartilage carrot genus, the height of which can range from 30 to 100 cm. It blooms best in a sunny location between June and September. The cartilaginous carrot comes from the Mediterranean region and thrives at altitudes of up to 1000 meters.
Bulbous milkweed
The tuberous silk flower (Asclepias tuberosa) originally comes from North America and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Europe. The large flower balls, with their enchanting scent, attract not only ladybirds but also countless butterflies. The plant needs a lot of warmth and sun and should grow in a location protected from the wind.
Common yarrow
The botanical name of common yarrow is Achillea millefolium. The plant blooms from June to September and can grow up to 120 meters tall. In nature it mostly occurs with white flowers, while yellow, pink, red and orange colors are possible in garden plants. Common yarrow is hardy and grows best in nutrient-rich soil. No further specific care is required.
Coreopsis flowers
The coreopsis or girl's eye (also called beautiful face) adorns the garden with its bright yellow flowers throughout the summer from July to September. It thrives in any soil and enjoys plenty of sun. If you really want a lot of flowers, cut the perennial often.
fennel
The botanical name of the widespread vegetable, spice and medicinal plant is Foeniculum vulgare. It needs a warm location and nutrient-rich soil. To prevent the roots from becoming too long, the temperature must be around 20-22°C during the germination period and not over 16°C afterwards.
Garlic
Allium sativum is the Latin name for garlic. The plant attracts the beneficial insects while the pests avoid them. The planting dates are in February and October and what should be noted is that the garlic needs winter protection because it cannot stand the cold.
Silverweed flowers
Silverwort (Lobularia) is still known under the names scented stonewort or stone herb. For optimal growth, it needs drained, nutrient-rich soil and full sun or partial shade. Silverweed can be planted in containers and requires very little care.
mint
Mint (Mentha) is best known as a herbal tea. Other names are cat's herb, mint, flea herb or brown saint's herb. The plant is not demanding at all, but you do not have to let it stand together with other herbs because after a short time the runners will grow all over the garden.
