Tired of battling slugs with traps and pellets? A smarter, chemical-free solution may already be growing in your garden. Certain ornamental plants naturally attract beneficial insects—like beetles, ground wasps, and hoverflies—that feed on slugs and their eggs.
These plants do double duty: they add beauty to your space while quietly supporting the kind of natural pest control that reduces slug damage long-term. Think yarrow, alyssum, and fennel—easy to grow and incredibly effective.
In this article, you’ll discover 13 ornamental varieties that invite slug-hunting allies into your garden, helping you protect your plants the natural way—no chemicals, no fuss.
Yarrow
Known for its feathery foliage, yarrow attracts a bevvy of beneficial insects including ladybugs and lacewings. These predators feast on slugs, helping maintain your garden’s balance naturally. Yarrow thrives in a variety of conditions and its drought tolerance makes it a low-maintenance favorite among gardeners. Historically, yarrow was used in traditional medicine, adding an old-world charm to any garden setting. Its bright clusters of small flowers can be a delightful sight, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for both insects and humans alike.
Fennel
Fennel stands out with its tall, graceful stalks and feathery leaves. This perennial herb is a magnet for hoverflies, whose larvae are voracious slug eaters. Its aniseed scent adds an aromatic layer to your garden, while its edible attributes provide a dual purpose. Fennel’s striking presence can transform any garden space into an elegant retreat. Ancient Romans believed fennel held healing properties, weaving a tapestry of history and utility. This plant’s multifaceted appeal ensures it remains a staple in both ornamental and functional garden designs.
Dill
Dill isn’t just for the kitchen; its feathery foliage is a haven for beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. These tiny protectors help keep slug populations in check, enhancing your garden’s health. Dill’s aromatic presence and whimsical form add an interesting texture to garden beds. Ancient Egyptians revered dill for its medicinal qualities, giving your garden a touch of historical significance. Its ability to attract predatory insects ensures dill is both a practical and beautiful addition to any garden space.
Marigold
Marigolds light up gardens with their vivid blooms and are renowned for their pest-repelling properties. These cheerful flowers attract predatory beetles, which are natural enemies of slugs. Marigolds’ vibrant hues create a lively garden display, complemented by their sturdy, resilient nature. They’re easy to grow and can flourish in diverse climates, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. Their historical use in religious ceremonies adds a cultural layer, enhancing their charm. Marigolds’ dual role as a visual delight and pest deterrent makes them indispensable.
Cosmos
Cosmos flowers bring a sense of whimsy with their daisy-like appearance, drawing in hoverflies and parasitic wasps. These insects are instrumental in slug control, ensuring your garden stays healthy. Cosmos thrive in poor soil conditions, offering a low-maintenance option for vibrant floral displays. Their long bloom period allows for extended enjoyment, brightening gardens from summer into fall. In Victorian times, cosmos symbolized order and harmony, reflecting their ability to attract beneficial insects naturally. This plant’s enchanting beauty and functionality are a gardener’s treasure.
Lavender
Renowned for its calming scent, lavender also plays a crucial role in attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and spiders. These predators help control slug populations, creating a harmonious garden ecosystem. Lavender’s soothing aroma and vibrant purple flowers enhance any garden’s aesthetic. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations, proving both resilient and rewarding. Historically, lavender has been cherished for its therapeutic properties, adding depth to its ornamental appeal. This plant’s multifunctionality ensures it remains a beloved choice for garden enthusiasts worldwide.
Sunflower
Towering sunflowers are more than just a summer staple; they attract a variety of predatory insects such as wasps and spiders. These natural allies help reduce slug numbers, supporting garden health. Sunflowers’ bright, cheerful faces follow the sun, bringing light and movement into the garden. They’re easy to grow and offer seeds that support wildlife, promoting biodiversity. Sunflowers have been celebrated in art and culture, symbolizing adoration and longevity. Their ability to enhance garden ecosystems while providing aesthetic pleasure makes them a gardener’s favorite.
Alyssum
Alyssum, with its delicate, honey-scented blooms, invites beneficial insects like hoverflies that prey on slugs. Its low-growing habit makes it an ideal ground cover, adding charm to any garden space. Alyssum’s sweet fragrance is a sensory delight, enhancing the garden’s atmosphere. It’s versatile, thriving in various environments and complementing other plants with its subtle beauty. Historically used in herbal remedies, alyssum adds both aesthetic and functional value. Its role in attracting predatory insects makes it a practical addition to any pest-conscious gardener’s toolkit.
Borage
Borage boasts star-shaped blue flowers that lure in bees and beneficial insects like predatory beetles, which help control slugs. Its striking appearance adds a unique texture to the garden and its leaves have a refreshing cucumber flavor, offering culinary uses. Borage is a hardy annual, self-seeding and thriving under various conditions. Historically, it was believed to bring courage, weaving an intriguing historical narrative. This plant’s dual purpose of attracting helpful insects while being edible makes it a versatile and appealing addition to any garden.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, known for its sunny yellow blooms, attracts a host of beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs. These allies help keep slug populations under control, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Coreopsis is drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for various climates. Its long flowering period ensures a prolonged display of color, brightening up any garden space. Historically referred to as “tickseed,” coreopsis adds both visual appeal and practical benefits. This plant’s vibrant flowers and ability to attract helpful insects make it a must-have for enthusiastic gardeners.
Zinnia
Zinnias, with their bright and bold colors, are a magnet for beneficial insects such as ladybugs and wasps. These predators are vital in managing slug populations, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem. Zinnias’ easy-to-grow nature and long-lasting blooms make them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. Historically associated with friendship and lasting affection, zinnias bring a touch of whimsy and warmth. Their ability to beautify the garden while attracting helpful insects makes them a charming and functional addition to any outdoor space.
Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for feline friends; it’s a powerhouse in attracting beneficial insects like wasps and lacewings. These predators play a crucial role in slug management, supporting garden health. Catnip’s fragrant leaves add an aromatic layer to the garden, making it both a sensory and functional delight. Its easy-to-grow nature ensures it thrives in various conditions, offering versatility. Historically used for medicinal purposes, catnip’s multifaceted appeal enhances any garden space. This plant’s ability to attract helpful insects while being cat-friendly makes it a unique addition.
Tansy
Tansy’s bold yellow flowers are a beacon for beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs, which help control slug populations. Its distinctive appearance adds structure and interest to garden designs. Tansy’s natural insect-repelling properties make it a dual-purpose plant, enhancing both aesthetic and functional aspects of the garden. Historically, tansy was used in traditional medicine, offering a glimpse into its multifaceted past. This plant’s striking flowers and ability to attract predatory insects make it an indispensable ally in organic gardening practices.