Attractive and Brainy Perennial Flowers That Ward Off Mosquitoes
Swatting Mosquitoes, Naturally: Top 18 Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Stinging memories of mosquito bites can make a relaxing evening in the garden feel like something out of a horror movie. Fortunately, a buzzing invasion isn't inevitable - your garden can help keep those pesky vampires at bay with the right selection of plants. Here are the top 18 mosquito-repelling plants for your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Employing Nature's Defenses: Using Plants as Mosquito Repellents
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Mosquitoes love moisture, which is why you'll want to minimize standing water sources in your garden. With a bit of planning, you can create a mosquito-free oasis by incorporating mosquito-repelling plants into your outdoor decor.
Position your mosquito-repellent plants strategically in areas where mosquitoes tend to gather. To benefit most from their mosquito-repelling properties, release the plants' scents by burning them, crushing leaves between your fingers, or using them to create a natural bug spray.
Outdoor Garden Allies: Perennials that Repel Mosquitoes
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1. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
This versatile flower attracts beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and repels mosquitoes with its minty scent.
2. Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
Containing cinnamate, this perennial plant offers a variety of practical uses, including mosquito repellent and enhancing the flavor of nearby fruits. It also keeps other bugs at bay.
3. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are known for their bright, cheery flowers and strong scent, which repels mosquitoes, rabbits, deer, and many other garden pests. They self-sow, so you'll have continual protection without extra effort.
4. Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
With a lemon-scented aroma, this variety of thyme is a great choice for those seeking alternatives to mint. It's similar in scent to lemon balm but doesn't belong to the mint family, so it won't spread as rapidly.
5. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Though not as widely known, pennyroyal features purple flowers, comes in both European and American varieties, and has mosquito-repelling properties, especially the European variety. It grows well in partial shade.
6. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
While peppermint can be invasive, it's well worth the effort. It repels mosquitoes and other pests like spiders and mice. Don't forget that the dried leaves make delicious tea!
7. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
These daisy-like flowers are a great addition to your garden, fit easily among other plants, and repel mosquitoes with their favored scent. They also contain pyrethrum oils that make them a natural insecticide.
8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage boasts a heady scent and is great for cooking. It also effectively repels mosquitoes when burned in outdoor fires.
9. Lavender (Lavandula)
Thriving in dry, sunny climates, lavender is both aesthetically pleasing and delivers a calming scent. It's commonly used in aromatherapy and can help keep indoor pests at bay with its pleasant aroma.
10. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary can get quite large, reaching 3-4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. While it may be best in a large planter, its scent can help deter mosquitoes and is a popular culinary herb.
Potting Plants Against Mosquitoes: Additional Options
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11. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Great for container gardening, lemongrass can be placed near entrances and emits a citrusy scent that repels mosquitoes.
12. Gum Tree (Eucalyptus)
The strong smell of eucalyptus is welcome during the holidays, but it also keeps mosquitoes away year-round. If you prefer a potted version, choose the silver drop eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunnii).
13. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium)
These fragrant flowers, ideal for window boxes, are particularly effective at repelling mosquitoes. They won't survive harsh winters though, so bring them indoors when the weather turns cold.
Indoor Warriors
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14. Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
Known for its citrus scent, lemon balm makes an excellent addition to indoor gardens. To maximize its mosquito-repelling effect, remove any flower buds to encourage more leaves.
15. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Another mint family member like lemon balm, catnip can help repel mosquitoes and is easy to grow in a container. Make sure to keep it away from any cats it might attract.
16. Citronella Plants (Cymbopogon nardus)
A common ingredient in mosquito repellent candles and torches, citronella plants can help keep mosquitoes at bay indoors.
17. Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Ornamental mums are versatile plants that can grow inside and outside. Keep them indoors during the summer to maximize their mosquito-repelling potential.
18. Shrub Verbena (Lantana camara)
Although toxic to humans and pets, extract from lantana provides significant mosquito protection. While it prefers a frost-free environment, it can be kept indoors during colder months.
Harnessing the power of mosquito-repelling plants can help create an outdoor environment that's both beautiful and mosquito-free. Enjoy your garden worry-free, armed with the knowledge of the best mosquito-repelling plants for your indoor and outdoor spaces.
About the Author
Adriana Copaceanu is a passionate gardener who brings her love of nature to life on her property, where she grows a variety of plants to attract wildlife. A lifelong learner, she shares her experiences and wisdom about gardening, wildlife, and homesteading through her books, "How to Grow Lavender for Fun and Profit: Lessons Learned from Planting Three Hundred Lavender Plants" and "How to Raise Chickens for Eggs: A Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Chickens for Nutritious, Organic Eggs at Home".
Incorporating various plants in your home and garden can benefit relationships with nature, pests, and even fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and even pets. For instance, to create a mosquito-free oasis that also decorates your outdoor space, consider planting the following organic herbs, flowers, and vegetables:
- Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
- Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
- Marigolds (Tagetes)
- Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
- Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Lavender (Lavandula)
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
- Gum Tree (Eucalyptus)
- Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Citronella Plants (Cymbopogon nardus)
- Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Shrub Verbena (Lantana camara)
While working in your garden, don't forget about harvesting seasonal vegetables and herbs. Enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your labor during meals and share the bounty with family, friends, and pets. Also, remember to place your chosen plants strategically in areas where mosquitoes tend to gather and release their scents by burning them, crushing leaves, or using them to create a natural bug spray for a buzzing invasion-free lifestyle.
