20 Beautiful Mosquito Repellent Plants: Turn Your Garden into a Bug-Free Zone With These Blooms

Do you also dream of relaxing in your garden on a cozy evening with a cup of tea, but mosquitoes always crash the mood? Trust me when I say this: harsh chemical sprays and sticky repellent lotions are effective, but they also come with their own health risks. 

So what can be a smarter solution? Adding mosquito repellent plants to your garden space. These are not only useful but also add charm to my front lawn with their vibrant colors and versatility.

Some blooms are also used to flavor my exotic dishes! Just like me, if you are also always on the lookout for a chemical-free way to keep mosquitoes away from your balcony garden, adding these natural mosquito repellent plants might be an excellent option.

Moving further, in this article, I am sharing 20 plants that resist mosquitoes and can transform your garden or living space into a bug-free zone!

Top 10 Mosquito Repellent Plants You Can Grow

Adding mosquito repellent plants to your garden is known to be a natural and eco-friendly fix to keep these unwanted bugs away. Allow me to walk you through some of the best plants that repel mosquitoes.

Plant Name	Image	Description	Growing Tips
Citronella		Contains aromatic citronella oil that repels mosquitoes, commonly used to make candles and sprays.	Prefers growing in areas having full sun and well-draining soil.
Lavender		An elegant purple plant that deters flies and other bugs. It also has a calming and stress-relieving scent.	Native to the Mediterranean region, this genus needs bright sunlight and dry soil to flourish.
Basil		Apart from being a mosquito repellent, it is also known as a medicinal plant having antidepressant properties.	Prefers growing in warm weather, requires plenty of sunlight, and moist soil.
Lemongrass		It can be grown in a backyard or patio to deter mosquitoes. The essential oil is usually applied to soothe itching.	This is a low-maintenance plant, thrives in sunlight and requires dry soil to flourish.
Rosemary		The genus has a woody aroma, which is disliked by mosquitoes. It is also used as a seasoning to flavor dishes.	Prefers growing in bright sunlight, requires permeable soil rich in organic matter.
Mint		Mint is one of the best plants that keep mosquitoes away due to its strong menthol scent.	Grows best in partial shade, requires filtered sunlight. Make sure to use moist soil.
Marigold		Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers that repel mosquitoes due to their pungent smell.	It thrives in full sunlight, requires moderate watering, and can be grown in a variety of soil types.
Catnip		Catnip is an effective plant that repels mosquitoes, as it contains nepetalactone, a natural insect repellent compound.	These can be grown in sunlight or in partial shade. Try planting them in a well-draining soil mix.
Eucalyptus		The genus has a strong fragrance that drives mosquitoes away. Mostly used as an essential oil mixed with a carrier.	Requires full bright sunlight exposure to grow. Needs moderate watering and loamy soil to flourish.
Peppermint		Closely related to mint, the menthol smell of this plant keeps mosquitoes and other bugs away. Also used to add flavor to teas.	Prefers growing under filtered sunlight. Be sure to plant the genus in moist and loamy soil.

The aforementioned are not just natural mosquito repellent plants; they also tend to enhance your garden’s beauty and provide culinary or medicinal benefits. By adding these to your front lawn, you can create a mosquito-free zone without relying on any harmful chemicals. 

Some Additional and Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Avoid turning your peaceful evening into an itchy event! Below are some additional plants to repel mosquitoes. Each genus comes with its unique charm and benefits.

If you are wondering what plant repels mosquitoes, Sage is your answer. Native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, it emits a strong, earthy aroma that small fleas and bugs usually dislike. 

You can either rub freshly crushed leaves directly on your skin or burn dried sage leaves in a fire pit or garden to create a fragrant barrier. 

Growing Conditions: Prefers growing in full sun and well-drained soil. The genus is drought-tolerant; hence, avoid overwatering. 

Thyme’s oil is highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. Crush the leaves, and the oil extracted from them can be applied directly to the skin or clothes. 

However, the thymol compound present in the genus can cause skin irritation if used in higher concentrations. This herb is also used to flavor dishes. 

Growing Conditions: Prefers warm, dry conditions for optimal growth. It thrives in bright sunlight and slightly dry soil. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Garlic emits sulfur compounds that mosquitoes dislike, making it an excellent garden companion. You can plant this species in the corner of your garden, or scatter its leaves in the living area to deter bugs and fleas. 

Furthermore, garlic-infused sprays can also be used, though they are only temporarily effective. Native to Central Asia, garlic vine is a popular climbing plant, used to decorate arches.

Growing Conditions: Grows well in full sun exposure, prefers moderate watering, and loose, permeable soil with a pH level of 6.5-7.0.

Belonging to the mint family, Pennyroyal has a strong scent that not only drives mosquitoes away, it also repels other flying insects. The oil extract of the genus is used to make natural repellents, but should be handled with care. Additionally, ingesting the leaves of Pennyroyal may cause serious indigestion issues. 

Growing Conditions: Consistent watering is needed to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. Grows best in bright sunlight and a permeable soil type.

Allium is a flower bulb plant that comprises species like onions, garlic, and chives. These ornamental genuses produce a unique aroma that mosquitoes usually dislike. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, these flowers also add decorative value with their round purple flowers. Some specific compounds of Allium are also said to repel root-damaging insects.

Growing Conditions: Usually planted during the fall, Alliums thrive in moist, well-drained soil and require partial sun to flourish.

Due to its strong citrus smell, lemon balm is one of the most effective mozzie repellent plants. It is a low-maintenance species and very similar to citronella. These usually grow and spread really fast, hence are mostly planted in containers and kept near windows to deter mosquitoes and other bugs. 

Growing Conditions: Commonly found in Southern Europe, the Lemon Balm plant usually grows in partial shade and requires moist but permeable soil.

Popularly known as the November birth flower, the Chrysanthemum contains pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that acts as a bug and mosquito repellent. Typically, these flowers are grown to enhance the overall beauty of the landscape. The genus also symbolizes happiness, joy, and calmness. 

Growing Conditions: Native to Asia, particularly China, Chrysanthemum thrives in bright direct sunlight, prefers sandy and loamy soil, and requires water in moderation.

Bee balms are said to be one of the most beautiful mosquito repellent plants. This stunning red flower attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and is also said to signify purity, prosperity, and clarity of thought. It is a vibrant, eye-catching genus and can instantly elevate the look of your garden space. 

Growing Conditions: Prefers growing in alkaline, clayey-loamy soil type, requires full sun exposure, and frequent watering during the initial growing stages.

Some scented varieties of the Geranium plant, especially the ones having pungent citrus aroma, are effective mosquito deterrents. 

These are ideally grown for patios and containers, adding charm and fragrance to the garden space. Although these appear in many bright colors, the yellow flowers are the most commonly planted. 

Growing Conditions: Suitable for areas having clayey-loamy soil with a rich organic mix, needs full sun to flourish, and an adequate amount of watering only to keep the soil moist.

Though the Bay Laurel is widely used for both ornamental and culinary purposes, it is also known to be a mosquito repellent species. You can either burn the leaves or create a bay leaf oil spray and simply use it in areas where mosquitoes are commonly found. 

Growing Conditions: Prefers growing in full sun or partial shade. Since it is native to the Mediterranean region, it flourishes in permeable soil and does not require much watering.

These mosquito-repelling plants not only deter pests and fleas, but also enrich your garden with fragrance and color. Whether you prefer growing flowering plants or beneficial herbs, each has its own charisma.

Why Choose Plants to Keep Mosquitoes Away?

When it comes to keeping mosquitoes away, people usually think of chemical sprays, coils, and incense sticks. These may work rapidly, but are packed with strong odors that can eventually bring in many respiratory health issues. Certain plants, such as citronella, lavender, and mint, produce natural oils and fragrances that mosquitoes dislike. 

Unlike the toxic sprays, these plants do not release any harmful compounds into your living space. 

Apart from being natural mosquito repellent plants, these also create an alluring environment. By providing these species with their ideal growing conditions, you can have your personal repellent. 

Choosing these plants is simply combining beauty and functionality to have a stunning outdoor living area. These genera also tend to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Mosquito Repelling Plants

Whenever I plan to grow flowers that repel mosquitoes, I make sure to give them the right care. As per my observation, the basic aspects like sunlight, soil type, and water frequency make a huge difference in the growth of these species. Moving forward, below, I have summarized the ideal growing conditions that a mosquito-repelling plant needs.

Sunlight Exposure: Most mosquito repellent plants like to grow in full sun. I think this helps the genus release their natural oils that repel insects and fleas. Some plants like peppermint, allium, and catnip can also be grown in partial shade.

Soil Type: There is no denying the fact that a well-draining soil mix in very essential for these plants. Almost all the mosquito repellent plants are susceptible to root rot. Furthermore, adding organic compost improves the fertility of the soil, providing it with the right nutrients.

Watering Needs: Most of these plants prefer moderate watering. It is very important to adjust the frequency depending on the growth stage of the species. Some blooms require consistent moisture, while others are drought-tolerant.

From my experience, when these plants are given the right growing conditions, they flourish and release a stronger natural fragrance that deters mosquitoes and other insects as well.

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Mosquito Repellent Plants

When I first started growing plants that repel mosquitoes, I thought just planting them and watering them daily would be enough. But I soon realized a few common mistakes that can stop them from growing and working effectively. Here are some key mistakes that should be avoided for the plants to stay healthy.

• Too much overwatering can cause root rot and waterlogging, which will eventually attract mosquitoes in areas where the water is stagnant. Make sure to use well-draining soil and water them only when the soil feels dry.

• Be sure not to plant the species in areas having low sunlight. These usually need bright sun exposure to grow better. Simply use a green cover during a dry spell to prevent leaf damage from the scorching sun rays. 

• I learnt that placing the plants too far away from each other does not create an effective barrier. Placing them close to the sitting areas, patios, kitchen window, or doorways is beneficial. 

• Although these mosquito repellent plants are like nature’s magic, they will not deter mosquitoes overnight. To build a strong protective layer, the species take time to generate their natural repellent compounds.

Simply avoiding these mistakes has made a huge difference in my garden area. Giving them the right care and placing them at an appropriate position kept mosquitoes away naturally. It is all about understanding what these plants need to flourish.

Conclusion

Adding mosquito repellent plants is a natural, safe, and beautiful solution to keep your garden area pest-free. From the aromatic smells of the herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary to the eye-catching blooms of chrysanthemum and marigold, each plant adds a unique charm to the area. 

I have eventually realized that choosing these species is more than just a natural alternative- it is a lifestyle change. They keep my home and my front lawn green, fresh, and insect-free!