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Mosquitoes can make even the nicest summer evening less enjoyable. You head outside to relax, grill dinner, or spend a little time in the garden, and before long you’re swatting away bites. While no plant can completely get rid of mosquitoes, some produce strong scents and natural oils that these insects tend to avoid.
Adding a few of these herbs and flowers near patios, porches, walkways, or other outdoor gathering spots may help make your yard a little less appealing to mosquitoes while adding color, fragrance, and useful plants to your landscape.
Here are 12 plants that are worth adding to your garden this summer.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a fresh citrus scent that many people enjoy, but mosquitoes generally stay away from it. This hardy perennial grows well in containers or garden beds and is easy to care for.
It spreads quickly once established, so many gardeners prefer keeping it in pots to prevent it from taking over nearby plants.
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Lavender
Lavender is grown for its fragrant purple flowers and soft gray-green foliage. The same scent that makes it popular in gardens is one reason mosquitoes tend to avoid it.
Plant lavender in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It works well in flower beds, borders, and containers, adding color throughout the growing season.
Citronella Grass
Citronella grass is one of the best-known plants associated with keeping mosquitoes away. Its citrus-scented oils are commonly used in candles, sprays, and other insect-repelling products.
Growing it near patios, decks, or outdoor seating areas may help mask the scents that attract mosquitoes.
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Peppermint
Peppermint gives off a cool, fresh fragrance that many people like, but mosquitoes aren’t usually fans of it.
Since peppermint spreads quickly, it’s best grown in containers. Place a few pots near patios, entryways, or outdoor dining spaces where you spend the most time.
Rosemary
Rosemary earns its place in both the herb garden and the landscape. Its woody fragrance may help make the area less attractive to mosquitoes while giving you fresh sprigs for cooking.
It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Some people also toss a few sprigs onto a fire pit or grill to release more of its aromatic oils while relaxing outdoors.
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Lemongrass
Lemongrass contains citral, a naturally occurring compound often found in plant-based insect repellents.
Its tall, grassy leaves also make an attractive addition to the garden, and the stalks can be harvested for soups, curries, teas, and stir-fries. Plant it in a sunny location for the best growth.
Marigold
Marigolds brighten flower beds with bold shades of yellow, orange, and red. Their distinctive scent is another reason they’re often planted around outdoor living spaces.
These flowers are easy to grow from seed or nursery plants and bloom for months with very little care. They’re a colorful addition near patios, vegetable gardens, and walkways.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is known for its crisp, refreshing scent and fragrant leaves. The oils found in the foliage are often included in products meant to discourage mosquitoes.
If you live where winters are cold, grow eucalyptus in a large container so you can move it indoors before freezing weather arrives.
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Geranium
Geraniums are popular for their colorful flowers and long blooming season. Scented varieties are especially valued because mosquitoes tend to avoid their strong fragrance.
Gently rubbing or crushing a leaf releases more of its natural oils, though the plants also brighten porches, decks, hanging baskets, and flower beds.
Catnip
Catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone, which has been shown to discourage mosquitoes.
Keep in mind that while mosquitoes may stay away, neighborhood cats may stop by for a visit. Like other mint family plants, catnip spreads easily, so regular trimming helps keep it under control.
Basil
Basil offers more than fresh flavor for your favorite recipes. Its aromatic leaves may also help make nearby areas less appealing to mosquitoes.
Grow basil in containers close to patios, outdoor tables, or doorways so it’s easy to harvest while spending time outside. Some gardeners also place it near standing water because its scent may help discourage mosquitoes from lingering nearby.
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Bee Balm
Bee balm produces bright blooms in shades of red, pink, purple, and lavender that stand out all summer. Its mint-like fragrance is another reason mosquitoes tend to avoid it.
While mosquitoes may steer clear, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted to its nectar. It’s a great choice if you want a colorful garden that’s busy with pollinators.
