Mosquito repellent flowers and plants


12 Mosquito Repellent Plants | Garden Design

What are the best plants to keep mosquitoes away? Plant these 12 plants in your garden for their colorful and fragrant display, plus their ability to keep uninvited bugs out. By Christine Yoo Updated 6/1/2022

Most insect-repelling plants do so with their natural fragrances, which keep annoying mosquitoes away and introduce wonderful scents throughout your garden. If you don't want to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Plant these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway.

Grow these 12 plants to naturally repel mosquitos:

Sweet Romance® lavender. Photo by: Proven Winners

1. Lavender

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Have you ever noticed that insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated your lavender plant? It is because of their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is very tough and drought-resistant once established, and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas. Read more about growing lavender.

Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 5-11, depending on type
Bloom time: Summer to fall

Buy lavender from Proven Winners.

Marigold flowers.

2. Marigold

Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. Marigolds are also a popular addition to borders and vegetable gardens. According to NYBG, not only can they keep away mosquitoes, but they also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms. Read more about growing marigold flowers.

Plant type: Annual
Bloom time: Late spring until frost

Citronella grass.

3. Citronella Grass (Lemon Grass)

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Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests. This low-maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area in the ground.

Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 9-11

Buy lemon grass from Proven Winners.

'Cat's Meow' catmint. Photo by: Proven Winners.

4. Catmint

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Catnip (catmint) can be found thriving almost anywhere. It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you are willing to forgo this plant’s insidious nature, they are amazing mosquito repellants and another recommendation from the BBG. In a study at Iowa State University, catmint was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical used in most insect repellants. Read more about growing catmint plants.

Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Early summer to fall

Buy catmint from Proven Winners.

Rosemary.

5. Rosemary

Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary. Both the New York Botanical Garden and PlantShed recommended this plant. Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away. They do best in hot and dry climates and thrive in containers, which may be ideal for areas with winters. They can also be pruned into all sorts of shapes and sizes and make great borders or decorations. While the pests stay away you can enjoy the herb’s scent and also use it to season your cooking.

Plant type: Perennial herb
Zones: 7-10

Amazel Basil® sweet Italian basil. Photo by: Proven Winners.

5. Basil

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Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smell the basil leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. And since all kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun. You can plant basil in containers or in the garden, alone or with other flowers, as long as both plants meet the same requirements. Read more about growing basil.

Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 10-11
Bloom time: Summer to frost

Buy basil from Proven Winners.

Scented geranium. Photo by: Proven Winners.

7. Citronella / Scented Geranium

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Scented geraniums are also a popular mosquito-repelling plant. Recommended by PlantShed, BBG, and NYBG, the favored scent seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. The strong fragrance keeps several types of pests away. These fast-growing plants like warm, sunny, and dry climates, but if you are in a cold-climate area, they can be grown in planters with constant pruning. Read more about growing geraniums.

Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 10-11
Bloom time: Spring to fall

Buy citronella (mosquito plant) from Proven Winners.

'Pardon My Cerise' bee balm. Photo by: Proven Winners.

8. Bee Balm

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Want to attract good bugs like bees and butterflies, while deterring the bad ones? Then bee balm, also known as Monarda or horsemint, is the plant for you. Simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy colorful flowers, in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple, all summer long. Read more about growing bee balm.

Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 4-8
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Buy bee balm from Proven Winners.

Mint.

9. Mint

Mint is an excellent nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away. The more pungent the aroma, the less bugs you’ll have. Grow it in pots on your patio where it can be easily reached if you want to drop a leaf or two in your afternoon tea. You can even dry the leaves and use them inside your home as a natural pest control method.

Plant type: Perennial herb
Zones: 3-8

Artist® Blue floss flower. Photo by: Proven Winners.

10. Floss Flower (Ageratum)

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This attractive annual flower makes great bedding or container plants. Floss flower contains coumarin, a chemical that helps repel mosquitoes—but also makes it toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Read more about growing floss flower.

Plant type: Usually grown as an annual
Zones: 9-10
Bloom time: Planting to hard frost

Buy floss flower from Proven Winners.

Sage. Photo by: Proven Winners.

11. Sage

If you love gathering around a fire pit in your backyard, then plant some sage nearby. Toss some of the plant into the flames and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray.

Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 5-8

Allium 'Millenium'. Photo by: Proven Winners.

12. Allium

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These bulbs, which include garlic and onions, release a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped flowers of allium that seem to float atop long slender, stems. Read more about growing allium bulbs.

Plant type: Bulb
Zones: 3-8, depending on variety
Bloom time: Planting to hard frost

Buy allium plants from Proven Winners.

We consulted with the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Plantshed for the best plant options.

More Natural Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away

In addition to growing the plants listed above, you should also practice good mosquito control in your garden so that the pests don’t get out of hand. The best thing you can do is prevent water from collecting and becoming stagnant; mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of standing water. Mosquito rings can be used virtually anywhere you have standing water — rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds — even animal watering troughs. They contain a naturally occurring bacterium (Bt israelensis) that kills mosquito larvae.

There are also other natural products available that can help ward off mosquitoes in your garden. These include, citronella torches and candles, as well as essential oils derived from the plants listed here.

The Importance of Mosquito Control

Throughout the years, mosquitoes have transmitted many diseases including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, encephalitis, and more recently the West Nile and Zika viruses. Mosquitoes are even to blame for heartworm in dogs. So it isn’t just about the annoyance or the itchy bite, it is a health concern for your family and pets.

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By

Jamie McIntosh

Jamie McIntosh

Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. She was a feature writer for Organic Gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/01/22

Reviewed by

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Reviewed by Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

Fact checked by Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and fact-checker focused on environmental sciences. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Science in Plant Biology from Ohio University. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade.

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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

More than almost any other creature, mosquitoes can ruin our enjoyment of the outdoors. If chemical repellents aren't your bag, consider growing garden plants that repel mosquitoes naturally due to the scent of their natural oils. One plant you will not find on this list is the citronella plant Pelargonium x citrosum, which was debunked as a mosquito buster by a Florida A&M study.

Merely growing these mosquito-repelling plants isn't a standalone way to deter pests. You need to increase the insect-repelling power of the plants by releasing their essential oils. Add some cuttings from the plants to the grill (most relevant when the plants are known for their culinary value). Chop the leaves and stems of the plants and scatter them on your lawn and around the outdoor living areas. If you're pressed for time before going outdoors, just add some stems of the plants to areas with foot traffic to release some mosquito-repelling oils with every step you take.

Do Mosquito-Repelling Plants Actually Work?

Biting insects that feed on blood (such as mosquitoes and ticks) locate their targets by sensing the odors and gases given off by warm-blooded creatures. Sweat and the carbon dioxide given off by breathing are key attractors. Garden plants that have strong scents can help to camouflage the scents that these insects use to target their victims, thereby confusing the bugs and protecting us from bites.

But it's rarely enough to simply fill your landscape with growing plants of these types and hope that mosquitoes will vanish. In most cases, you'll need a more concentrated form of the plant's scent, which can be obtained by burning or crushing the leaves to release the essential oils that produce the odor.

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Cilek JE, Schreiber ET. Failure of the "mosquito plant", Pelargonium x citrosum 'van Leenii', to repel adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in Florida.  J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1994;10(4):473-476.

  2. Dua VK, Gupta NC, Pandey AC, Sharma VP. Repellency of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) flowers against Aedes mosquitoes. J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 1996;12(3 Pt 1):406-408.

7 affordable plants for mosquitoes in the country

Summer, for most, is the time for vacations and the summer season. But at the same time, this is the time of active activity of many harmful insects. Mosquitoes are the most famous type of blood-sucking pests that can ruin any vacation. Fortunately, experienced gardeners have found a way out of this situation. Thanks to the variety of flowers and plants, this problem has become solvable. Some representatives of flower beds are really able to fight back even the most persistent bloodsuckers. Let's consider them in more detail. And now is the time to think about what to plant in your area so that mosquitoes do not annoy. nine0003



TOP plants against mosquitoes

1. Bird cherry
The leaves and flowers of bird cherry secrete phytoncides, which kill and repel not only mosquitoes, but also midges, horseflies, flies. Therefore, having planted a couple of her bushes in your garden, you can forget about the bites on the skin. If you are going on a hike or a picnic, then the best solution would be to grind the bird cherry leaves into a pulp and apply on the face and hands. Its smell will certainly make the bloodsuckers stay as far away as possible. nine0003



2. Citronella
This plant has a strong lemon scent that repels mosquitoes. Summer time is the best for planting in flower beds and large pots. In winter, it will continue to grow without problems in a warm room.



3. Marigold
These beautiful flowers, like bird cherry, emit substances that are unpleasant for mosquitoes and midges. nine0005 It is enough to put a small pot of marigolds in the room so that the "winged enemies" fly around it. When planted in your garden, they will also give the desired effect.

4. Basil
Combine business with pleasure by planting brown or lemon basil in your garden. Mosquitoes hate its smell, but it will be a great seasoning for your favorite dishes.

5. Garlic
Mosquitoes do not tolerate garlic phytoncides. This plant can be grown in bunches in different places. Then the mosquitoes will be less disturbing. Garlic can also be placed on a table or bedside table at night so that bloodsuckers do not interfere with sleep.

6. Lavender
Growing this shrub in the garden will protect against midges and midges in the evening. Pick the lavender flowers and pat dry. Wrapped in a cloth bag, put next to your pillow at night and sleep peacefully. nine0003



Calendula against mosquitoes


The bright petals of calendula have won the hearts of many flower growers. They are great for growing in the country, as well as at home on the windowsill, because they are considered unpretentious. The main advantage of calendula is that many insects, including mosquitoes, do not tolerate it.

There is a huge variety of plants that can protect against flying pests and for this it is not necessary to buy expensive creams and sprays. Just expand your garden and enjoy the delicious scents of the shrubs. You can also smear the skin with essential oils based on these flowers and herbs. nine0003

15 plants that will drive mosquitoes away from the site. Photo - Botanichka

Even the warmest warm evening in the country can be ruined by annoying mosquitoes - constant companions of summer country life. The chemical industry has come up with hundreds of drugs that repel mosquitoes. In one way or another, they are all effective, but they have significant drawbacks - they are toxic to varying degrees, cause allergies, and in most cases are contraindicated in young children.

Lavender will drive mosquitoes away from the site. © bonnieheathestate

However, nature itself, having created mosquitoes (they are an important part of the food chain), also took care that they do not interfere with our lives. To do this, in her arsenal there are many plants that repel insects with their smell. In this publication, we will talk about the 15 most effective plants - "mosquito repellents" that can be successfully grown even in the middle lane.

1. Ageratum

Ageratum. © Mauro Nogueira

Many commercial mosquito repellants use coumarin, a substance secreted by the annual ageratum plant. Delicate decorative bushes of small size will decorate your flower beds (today varieties have already been bred not only with blue, but also with pink, white and lilac flowers) and will become a reliable protection against annoying insects. However, do not rub the skin with the leaves and flowers of ageratum. This may cause allergies. It is enough just to plant a flower (or better not one) in the sun or in partial shade. Ageratum is not a picky plant, it is content with poor soils. nine0003

2. Angustifolia lavender

Lavender. © Marc Novakowski

Very pretty perennial with needle-like leaves and delicate white, pink, blue or purple flowers. Lavender angustifolia winters well in the middle zone, is unpretentious in care, grows on poor soils and does not require watering. Lavender bushes are ideal in group plantings, it can also be grown in containers. A person can feel the pleasant smell of this plant only by touching it or cutting off the branches. But mosquitoes are more sensitive to its aroma and consider it disgusting for themselves. It has been noticed that mosquitoes do not fly in the immediate vicinity of lavender plantings (a meter and a half). nine0003

3. Peppermint

Peppermint. © Neil Goldstein

The well-known peppermint, a fragrant perennial up to 80 cm high, is one of the most popular medicinal plants grown in our gardens. It is also widely used in cooking and cosmetics. Since ancient times, our ancestors planted peppermint near windows and front doors to the house, in particular, and due to the fact that this plant repels mosquitoes well. The strongest menthol flavor comes from peppermint, which grows in loose fertile soils in sunny corners of the garden. But it can also grow in the shade, however, it will smell, and, accordingly, it will be weaker to repel mosquitoes. nine0003

4. Melissa officinalis (lemon mint)

Melissa officinalis (lemon mint). © 3g.163

Outwardly, lemon balm does not differ much from mint - it has a branched stem and grows a little higher in height. But its main difference is the smell. Melissa officinalis has a strong spicy aroma with light notes of lemon. But, like the menthol smell of peppermint, it is an excellent mosquito repellent. Melissa is ideal for sunny places in your site. It can also grow in partial shade. nine0003

5. Catnip or catnip

Catnip or catnip. © Amber Christian

One of the benefits of this mint is that it grows like a weed on its own. That is, it does not require any care. However, many gardeners consider catnip to be a weed. But we must give him credit: he does an excellent job of repelling mosquitoes. If you decide to rub your skin with the leaves or flowers of this plant to be safe, be careful - all the cats in the area will show you increased attention, because they just love catnip! The reason for this is the substance nepetalactone, which this plant is rich in. It is also the source of the lemon flavor characteristic of this variety of mint. nine0003

6. Lemon Monarda

Lemon Monarda. © Kristi Wood

Lemon Monarda belongs to the same family as Peppermint. But, unlike her, it is an annual plant. By the way, the only flyer in the Monard family. Its leaves and flowers contain essential oils that repel insects, including mosquitoes. And lemon monarda can be easily attributed to giant annuals. After all, in just one season it reaches 120 cm in height. Likes well-lit areas with loose fertile soil. nine0003

7.

Pennyroyal or Ombalo Ombalo or pennyroyal. © Phil Smith

A perennial plant of the mint genus, reaching a height of 20-40 cm. It is easily distinguished from other types of mint by its compact size and creeping shape. It does not have the winter hardiness characteristic of most relatives, therefore, in central Russia, flea mint (another name for the plant) is grown as an annual. An indispensable ingredient in Georgian tkemali sauce and a good natural insect repellant. Not only mosquitoes, but also flies, fleas and moths. nine0003

8. Salvia officinalis

Salvia officinalis. © Sergeeva Inguza

Hippocrates called this plant "sacred grass". Its use in medicine is so widespread today that it seems that there are far fewer diseases that it does not cure than those that it does. Hippocrates did not write anything about the properties of sage to repel mosquitoes (at least we do not know about this), however, in gardening it has long been noticed that mosquitoes do not favor planting medicinal sage. More precisely, its tart aroma does not allow insects to determine the smell of a person who is near the plant. Salvia officinalis is a perennial plant. It grows in one place without a transplant for 8 years. Likes soil of neutral acidity and good light. nine0003

9. Ceylon citronella or lemongrass

Ceylon citronella or lemongrass. © technologychaoban

Ceylon citronella oils are often used to create mosquito repellents. The plant has a very strong lemon smell, which also does not repel mosquitoes so much as it does not allow these insects to smell the smell of a person nearby. Lemongrass is a perennial grass with a low level of winter hardiness. That is, in a temperate climate, it can only be grown as a tub culture, bringing the pot into the house or greenhouse along with the first significant cooling. nine0003

10. Fragrant Basil or Camphor Basil

Fragrant Basil or Camphor Basil. © flora cyclam

An annual herbaceous plant known as a kitchen spice to almost all inhabitants of the Earth. But few people know that the essential oil of this plant has been used in medicine for many years. For example, it is part of the well-known "Bronholitin" (it is prescribed for coughing). The name itself, "camphor basil", speaks of what substance this herb is rich in. Camphor repels ants, moths and mosquitoes. nine0003

11. Lemon verbena

Lemon verbena. © Marisa Esteban

Evergreen shrub with a large crown. In the people it is considered a magical plant that can protect against the evil eye and damage. But today, of course, it is more used in cooking, cosmetology and medicine than in the rites of white magic. It has a pleasant smell that mosquitoes do not want to be friends with. It also repels other insects - a dried sprig of verbena is often placed in a closet as a prophylaxis against moths.

12. Marigolds

Marigolds. © Natureluvah2

Bright and colorful marigolds are traditionally used in our flower beds. Very often they can be seen in the beds. Adherents of organic farming claim that these flyers effectively protect cultivated plants from many harmful insects and other pests. Their smell is so rich and specific that it repels not only mosquitoes, but also some people who simply cannot stand it. But in vain, because these are surprisingly decorative and unpretentious flowers. nine0003

13. Wormwood

Wormwood. © Top Remedii Naturiste

Another herb with a very strong odor that mosquitoes don't like. Wormwood is a perennial herbaceous plant of silver color, reaching up to 1.5 meters in height. One of the oldest medicinal plants known to mankind. It grows freely on forest edges, along roads, in neglected areas. Cultivated commercially for essential oil. Often found in gardens and gardens as a weed. However, many gardeners today, in order not to follow her into the forest, grow wormwood specially in their area. In addition to its medicinal properties, it protects cultivated species from many pests and diseases. nine0003

14. Pontic sagebrush

Pontic sagebrush. © Christophe Ramonet

Unlike wormwood, this plant is very decorative. Therefore, it can often be found in gardens as an element of various landscape compositions.


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