If you’re looking for natural ways to keep mosquitoes away, planting certain flowers can be a simple and effective solution. These flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also help reduce the number of pesky insects around your outdoor space.
This guide will introduce you to 13 flowers that naturally discourage mosquitoes. Enjoy more comfortable and enjoyable time outside by choosing the right plants.
Lavender
You might enjoy planting lavender because it’s easy to grow and smells lovely. The scent of lavender oil is known to help keep mosquitoes away, making it a natural option for your garden.
Lavender also attracts butterflies, adding beauty to your outdoor space. It grows best in full sun and can be grown in pots or flower beds.
Marigolds
You can plant marigolds easily in your garden or in pots near doors and patios. Their scent helps keep mosquitoes and other bugs like aphids and thrips away.
Marigolds also attract beneficial insects that help your garden stay healthy. They’re a bright and simple way to protect your outdoor space naturally.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is one of the best-known natural mosquito repellents. You can crush its leaves to release citronella oil, which masks the scents that attract mosquitoes.
It’s an easy plant to care for and adds a fresh, lemony scent to your garden or patio. Growing citronella grass near your outdoor spaces can help keep mosquitoes at bay.
Catnip
You might know catnip as the plant cats love, but it’s also helpful for keeping mosquitoes away. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which mosquitoes dislike.
Growing catnip in your garden can reduce the number of mosquitoes around. Plus, it’s easy to care for and adds a lovely touch to your outdoor space.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a great addition to your garden if you want to keep mosquitoes away naturally. Its strong scent is unpleasant to these insects.
You can easily grow rosemary in pots or garden beds. It’s also useful in cooking, so you get a double benefit.
The plant thrives in sunny spots and requires well-drained soil. Snip some sprigs to refresh the aroma around your outdoor space.
Basil
You can use basil in your garden or in pots to help keep mosquitoes at bay. Its strong scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes, making your outdoor space more comfortable.
Basil is also helpful near standing water because it can reduce mosquito larvae. Plus, it’s a versatile herb you can use in cooking!
Scented Geraniums
You can add scented geraniums to your garden to help keep mosquitoes away. They have a light lemon scent that bugs tend to dislike.
Though they don’t contain as much citronella as lemongrass, their mild citrus smell still offers some insect deterrent benefits. Placing them near outdoor spaces can make your area a bit less inviting to mosquitoes while adding a splash of color.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
If you crush the leaves of bee balm, they release a scent that helps keep mosquitoes away. You can grow it in your garden to enjoy its bright flowers while reducing mosquito presence.
Bee balm also attracts bees and butterflies. It adds beauty and activity to your outdoor space.
Lemon Balm
You can use lemon balm to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Its leaves release a mild, lemony scent that mosquitoes tend to avoid.
This plant also grows well in partial shade or full sun. You can even use its leaves to flavor teas or dishes.
Floss Flower
Floss flower is a great choice if you want to keep mosquitoes away naturally. It contains a compound called coumarin, which gives off a scent that mosquitoes don’t like.
You can plant floss flowers along garden edges or near outdoor seating areas. They add a lovely touch while helping reduce mosquito presence around you.
Mums (Chrysanthemums)
You can plant mums to help keep mosquitoes away. They contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which can repel bugs.
Mums are easy to care for and bloom for a long time. Place them along walkways or near seating areas to enjoy both their beauty and bug-repellent properties.
Alliums
Alliums are easy to grow and add a lovely touch to your garden with their globe-shaped flowers. They naturally repel mosquitoes thanks to their strong scent.
You’ll find them thrive best in full sun with well-draining soil. Plus, they need very little care once established.
Lantana
Lantana is a colorful flower that can help keep mosquitoes away naturally. You can plant it around your outdoor spaces to create a gentle barrier.
When handling lantana, it’s a good idea to wear gloves since the leaves can be irritating. You might also crush dried leaves and toss them in your fire pit for extra mosquito protection.