Every summer, both kids and adults enjoy watching fireflies fly around and glow in the dark. They picture the fireflies just hatching for the first time and experiencing summer for the first time. But the reality is much more amazing. The adult fireflies that you see in the summer spent the last two years living as a wingless larvae and digging and growing in the soil. They were getting ready for their short time to shine.
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Check PriceThis changes everything for making a firefly haven. While nectar plants are a must, firefly success is all about what is going on underfoot!
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1. Solidago (g̩nero) РZonas de crecimiento 3 a 9.
This late-flowering plant blooms extremely important nectar when most flowers have completed their season. The deep root system of Goldenrod creates loose soil ideal for larval development. Plant it in sunny areas so it can spread freely into large colonies that will host entire communities of fireflies.
2. La bergamota silvestre (Monarda fistulosa) puede cultivarse en las zonas de crecimiento 3 a 8.
Both native bees and fireflies love to dine at this establishment. Their tubular flowers produce nectar at night, which is when fireflies are most active. Additionally, the dense growth of bergamot provides the cool, shaded, and moist microclimate that is essential for the survival of firefly larvae.
3. Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) – Appropriate for growing in zones 4 to 9.
Evening primrose plants are experts at blooming just before dusk. The beautiful, bright yellow flowers open just as the sun is setting. These amazing night blooming plants feed fireflies right when they get most active. The flowers also attract moths which become food for the firefly larvae.
4. They grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Purple coneflowers are great for firefly gardens for two reasons. Adults will stop and feed on the nectar-rich blooms, and the left standing seed heads in the fall will provide overwintering places for the beneficial insects that the firefly larvae will hunt. Never cut them down until spring.
5. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) dapat tumbuh dengan baik di zona ketahanan 3 hingga 9.
The red flowers create a great environment for fireflies to breed and the shallow roots allow room for the sensitive larvae while also keeping moisture in the soil. The blooming period is extended, and the nectar is available when fireflies need it most.
6. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Is Hardy In Zones 3 To 8
The blooming of purple fall stars coincides with the time period when firefly larvae begin their winter dormancy in the soil. Adult fireflies obtain their energy reserves for egg-laying from the nectar of purple fall stars, while the fibrous roots of the plant make good tunneling for the larvae.
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7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is suitable for growing in Zones 3 through 9 inclusive.
The fireflies will be able to hide from daytime predators in the fluffy leaves of the yarrow plant. The white flowers will help fireflies find each other better at night. The flat topped flower clusters will attract small insects and thus provide food to the firefly larvae.
8. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is hardy in growing zones 3 to 9
Firefly Highway builders helps you make your very own giant Firefly Highway in your backyard! Their huge flower heads attract lots of pollinators and other beneficial insects. During the winter, the deep taproot and hollow stem left standing improve soil drainage and provide overwintering sites for beneficial insects.
9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) – Best for growing zones 3 to 9
During the flowering season, these bright yellow flowers offer food to fireflies. The plant’s colonies exclude weedy competition, while also keeping the loose organic soil structure that the firefly larvae need for both burrowing and hunting.
10. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – Recommended Growing Zones 3 to 9
This stunning red native plant does well in the wet areas that also support firefly larvae. If you see fireflies, plant this native near water features or in areas that remain moist. The nectar-filled blossoms will provide egg-laying females all the fuel they need.
11. Wilder Ingwer (Asarum canadense) – Winterhart von Zone 3 bis 8.
This low-growing ground cover is the perfect nursery for fireflies. Its broad leaves help maintain a consistent moisture and temperature for the soil. This also provides a hunting ground for the larvae of small invertebrates. Organic-rich soil is where fireflies thrive. This cover also grows well in the shade.
12. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is hardy in Zones 3 through 9.
This ground cover produces thick mats that protect extreme temperatures for firefly larvae. The tiny flowers provide nectar in spring and the evergreen foliage creates good soil conditions year-round. This is great for slopes and areas where you want living mulch.
13. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) colors span from red to yellow. This plant grows in zones 3 to 8.
Fireflies are attracted to the delicate red and yellow blossoms during the late spring emergence period. Even more important, the columbine’s preference for loose, humus-rich soil resembles that which firefly larvae need to thrive. The plants also attract small insects, which provide food for the larvae.
14. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is hardy from Zone 4 to 9.
This sweet-smelling creeping plant serves to create living mulch around bigger firefly plants. The tiny blossoms create nectar to attract various pollinators. Additionally, a dense mat of this ground cover keeps firefly larvae at the conditions they need. Added bonus, the natural pest-repelling qualities protect your firefly nursery from harmful insects.
The Underappreciated Secret Underground in Most Gardens
The blinking adults you see for 2-3 weeks are just 5% of a firefly's life. The other 95% is spent underground as larvae and manages to predate on snails, slugs and other soft-bodied critters in your soil.
When making a firefly habitat, think about what flowers will be nearby. Think also about the needs of the larvae. They will want soil that is loose and rich in organics, stays consistently moist but also can drain, and also needs leaf litter and other organic matter that contains their food animals, ( and also needs to avoid the pesticides that will eliminate an entire generation of larvae before they ever get to glow).
If you have the right conditions and the right nectar plants, your garden could produce firefly larvae! These larvae take two years to develop, so your garden will light up summer evenings in two years! Leave the leaf litter and don't tidy up too much, and let some parts of your garden grow wild.
