Lyndsey 5 mosquito repelling plants you need to add to your yard, deck, patio or porch to get rid of mosquitoes once and for all.
Introduction
Nothing can ruin your outdoor yard activities faster than being attacked by pesky bugs and mosquitoes. Sure bug spray works for repelling mosquitoes to some extent, but not fully. On top of that bug spray leaves you feeling sticky, stinky, and greasy. Tiki torches can be beautiful, but they tend not to produce the best bug barrier. Why not add a natural protective addition that will get rid of mosquitos your patio, deck, porch or yard?
The best part, many of these plants add beautiful depth to your landscaping, giving a variety of colors, textures and tones. You can use these plants as regular garden bed or landscaping plants, or you can put them in pots to place strategically around your outdoor areas.
5 Mosquito Repelling Plants
Click on the name for details on each plant.
1. Citronella
Citronella is a strong smelling variety of the Geranium family. This plant can get flowering blooms on it, and provides a strong scent that is efficient at repelling mosquitoes.
Light Preference: Partial Shade
Spacing: 18-24″
Height: up to 24″
Soil: moderately rich, moist, but tolerates a variety of soils
Zones: Perennial in zones 9 – 11
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tall lump style grass that can grow in gardens and pots. Not only does the strong lemon scent of this grass ward off mosquitoes, it can also be used as an herb. Lemongrass is commonly used in sauces, soups and teas.
Light Preference: Full Sun
Spacing: 24″
Height: 3-5′
Soil: moderately rich, moist
Zones: Perennial in zones 8 – 11
3. Lavender
Lavender is a beautifully colored, vibrant purple flowering plant. Lavender can also be considered an herb, and is used in many teas and drinks. The strong scent given off by Lavender plants (or in essential oils as well) is very effective at fighting off mosquitoes. Additionally, the bright vibrant blooms give a great addition to garden beds and potted plants.
Light Preference: Full Sun
Spacing: 18-24″
Height: 1-2′
Soil: well drained, slightly alkaline
Zones: Perennial in zones 5 – 9
4. Catnip
Catnip, or Nepeta, is an herb in the mint family. The strong mint aroma that these plants have are effective at warding off mosquitoes and other pests. Catnip is also considered an herb and can be dried and used as such. Catnip provides beautiful, vibrant blooms similar to lavender. The beneficial part of catnip vs. lavender is, Catnip is very hard to kill! These plants are very hardy to many different conditions.
Light Preference: Full Sun but can tolerate shade
Spacing: 18-24″
Height: 2-3′
Soil: poor soil, drought tolerant, do not put in soggy soil
Zones: Perennial in zones 3 – 9
5. Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most common container/potted plant choices for many people. These flowers have been a common staple for many years. Marigolds are effective at repelling mosquitos, flies, ticks and deer. Many people plant these around their vegetable gardens to keep critters out of their plants. These are smaller growing plants, that have vibrant orange blooms.
Light Preference: Full Sun
Spacing: 8″ small varieties, 12″ large varieties
Height: 6″ – 3′ depending on variety
Soil: well drained, fertilized
Zones: Annuals in 2 – 11
I hope that you have found this list helpful and resourceful. Now use this information, plant your protective barriers, and have yourself a wonderful, mosquito free, time outdoors!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! If you have any questions drop them in the comments below, I would be happy to respond!
For information on growing these plants in containers, check out my post 10 Tips for Beautiful Potted Plants here.
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[…] For more ideas on specific plant choices, take a look at my post 5 Plants You Need to Get Rid of Mosquitoes Now. […]
I definitely need to plant more of these. I have some marigolds but I’m going to look for some of the others and plant more of the marigolds!
I love to fill my deck and porch with citronella (because it grows so fast) and lavender. These two are by far my favorites! I hope you have found some good options from here, happy planting!
And they’re all pretty good – and pretty – plants to have in any case! Thanks for sharing with #TheGardenYear
Thank you for stopping by!