Gardening

9 Mosquito Repelling Plants For An Itch-Free Garden

Published

3 years ago

June 17, 2021

Lavender field | Mosquito repelling plants | Featured

Having droves of mosquitos nibbling at your skin can ruin barbecues, gardening plans, and any other outdoor activities you might have scheduled. Keep your plans itch-free and check out these mosquito-repelling plants that will keep those annoying little insects away.

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1 9 Best and Easy-To-Grow Mosquito Repelling Plants for Your Garden

1.1 1. Citronella Grass

9 Best and Easy-To-Grow Mosquito Repelling Plants for Your Garden

1. Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a staple ingredient of mosquito repellants. This plant, along with other lemon-scented plants, is one of the most recommended plants to have in your garden for keeping mosquitos away. It produces a distinctive and strong citronella aroma that masks scents which may attract mosquitos to you.

Often sold as small plants in pots, this perennial clumping grass can grow up to a height of about 5-6 feet. This makes it ideal for growing in your garden’s “background,” preferably behind your more decorative shrubs and flowers.

As an added bonus, taking care of this plant is relatively low maintenance. All you have to do is keep them away from cold climates. If you live in a sunny area, it will love being planted directly in the ground. Those in colder climates may opt to keep them in large planters as citronella grass doesn’t do well against frost.

2. Catnip

Catnip, otherwise known as catmint, is one of the best and easiest-to-find mosquito repelling plants out there. It belongs to the mint family and thrives almost anywhere. In fact, some prefer to keep them in pots as they grow fast and can easily take over your entire garden.

Catnip will effectively repel mosquitos that are close to it. Some, however, prefer to crush their leaves and apply them to the skin for better protection.

3. Marigold

Often grown as ornamental plants, marigolds also serve as one of the best mosquito-repelling plants out there.

The plant contains Pyrethrum, a compound that can be found in many insect repellants. This makes it effective not only against mosquitos, but also against other bugs and insects such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, squash bugs, and even tomato hornworms.

Marigolds are perfect for planting near the entrances of your home. The smell they emit will prevent mosquitos from even attempting to come near your house. If you have a vegetable garden, you can also consider planting Marigold around them to prevent bugs and insects from going near your crops.

4. Lavender

Lavender, much like catnip, is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that is great at keeping mosquitos and other insects at bay. The plant is often harvested for its natural oils, which are also said to help greatly with stress and anxiety when smelled.

Lavender is also very tough. This drought-resistant plant thrives in warmer climates. If not pruned or kept in a pot, lavender can also grow and multiply quickly enough to take over your entire garden.

5. Floss Flower

Ageratum, more commonly known as floss flower, secretes coumarin. This chemical is toxic to mosquitos and is widely used in mosquito repellants.

This low-lying ornamental plant reaches heights of about 8 – 18 inches. It is distinguished mainly by its blue flowers, with some having white, violet, and pink blooms.

The floss flower loves warmth and does not need rich soil for it to thrive. People often find them in rock gardens, alongside other low-lying plants.

Crushing the leaves of this plant increases the odor it emits, making it slightly more effective. However, applying those crushed leaves on a person’s skin is not advisable. The coumarin contained inside the floss flower can, unfortunately, also be toxic to humans and animals.

6. Basil

Basil is also on our list of the best mosquito repelling plants as it acts not only to repel mosquitos, but also other pests. Its pungent scent is mainly what keeps pests away from it.

The herb favors damp soil and lots of sun. People often recommend them as a companion plant to other crops or vegetables because of how well they repel other insects that can be a pest to your garden.

There are numerous types of basil that you can mix into your garden. Feel free to explore these and plant which one you like the most.

7. Rosemary

The woody scent emitted by rosemary is what keeps mosquitos and other pests like carrot flies and cabbage moths well away.

This herb does best in dry climates. It thrives in containers, which makes it ideal for when winter comes around.

As an added bonus, this plant can also be trimmed into so many shapes and sizes. This makes them a great ornamental addition to your other plants. You also get the added benefit of being able to use them as a seasoning for your cooking.

8. Bee Balm

Bee balm is one of the best mosquito repelling plants out there because it attracts good bugs like butterflies and bees just as much as it repels the bad ones. Otherwise known as horsemint or Monarda, this plant releases a strong and incense-like odor that confuses mosquitos.

Horsemint grows fast, especially in warm climates. It will grow up to a height of about 2-3 feet, and with flowers in shades of pink, white, purple, lavender, or red. It also does well in dry and sandy soil, which is why people often find it along coastal or beach areas.

Plus, you can crush its leaves to release its oils, or dry them and add them to your afternoon cup of tea.

9. Sage

Love an afternoon bonfire or barbecue? Then the sage plant should be perfect for those outdoor activities you may have planned.

The plant produces an earthy scent that wards bugs away. To make it more effective, you can also try tossing some of its leaves into the flames if you’re having a barbecue. Sage is also often dried and used in making DIY homemade repellants.

Aside from mosquito-repelling plants, there are other all-natural ways to keep those pesky insects away. Find out about them here in this video courtesy of Bright Side:

Having mosquitos around can really ruin any outdoor activities you may have on your schedule. Keep your plans itch-free and grow some of these mosquito repelling plants in your garden.

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Are there other mosquito repelling plants that you think are best for keeping those pests away? Share them with us in the comments section below!

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