Flowers That Keep Bugs Away

Are you tired of pesky bugs invading your garden and ruining your outdoor experience? There are many ways to repel insects, but one natural solution is to plant flowers that naturally repel bugs. Not only do these flowers add beauty to your garden, but they also have the added benefit of keeping pests at bay. In this article, we will explore 15 different types of flowers that can help keep bugs away.

The Top 15 Flowers That Repel Bugs

1. Marigolds

Marigolds are not only beautiful, but they also repel mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. These flowers contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide that is commonly used in commercial bug sprays. Plant marigolds in pots or around the perimeter of your garden for best results.

2. Lavender

Lavender is known for its calming scent, but it also repels mosquitoes, flies, and fleas. Plant lavender in full sun and well-draining soil for optimal growth. You can also use dried lavender to make sachets or repellent sprays for indoor use.

3. Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for gardens due to their vibrant colors, but they also repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they can be planted in pots or hanging baskets for added versatility.

4. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a fall favorite due to their colorful blooms, but they also repel roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, and fleas. These flowers contain pyrethrin, which is a natural insecticide that is commonly used in commercial bug sprays. Plant chrysanthemums in full sun and well-draining soil for best results.

5. Citronella

Citronella is a popular plant known for its ability to repel mosquitoes. This plant contains citronellal, which is an oil that repels mosquitoes and other flying insects. You can plant citronella in pots or around the perimeter of your garden for best results.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground. You can also use rosemary to make natural bug repellent sprays.

7. Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to your dishes, but it also repels mosquitoes and flies. This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground. You can also crush fresh basil leaves and rub them on your skin as a natural bug repellent.

8. Mint

Mint is a fragrant herb that repels mosquitoes, ants, and spiders. This herb prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground. You can also use mint leaves to make natural bug repellent sprays.

9. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a popular flower that not only adds color to your garden, but it also repels aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

10. Geraniums

Geraniums are a popular flower that not only adds color to your garden, but it also repels mosquitoes, flies, and ants. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

11. Alliums

Alliums are a type of onion that not only adds flavor to your dishes, but it also repels mosquitoes, aphids, and cabbage worms. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

12. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they also repel aphids, stink bugs, and beetles. These flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and they can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

13. Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to your dishes, but it also repels mosquitoes and flies. This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

14. Dill

Dill is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to your dishes, but it also repels aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs. This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

15. Fennel

Fennel is a fragrant herb that not only adds flavor to your dishes, but it also repels aphids, slugs, and snails. This herb prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it can be planted in pots or directly in the ground.

How Do These Flowers Repel Bugs?

Chemical Compounds

Many of these flowers contain natural chemical compounds that repel insects. For example, marigolds contain pyrethrum, which is a natural insecticide that is commonly used in commercial bug sprays. Lavender contains linalool, which is a compound that repels mosquitoes and flies.

Fragrances

Some flowers repel bugs simply by their fragrance. For example, citronella contains citronellal, which is an oil that repels mosquitoes and other flying insects. Mint contains menthol, which is a fragrance that repels mosquitoes, ants, and spiders.

How to Plant These Flowers

Soil and Sunlight Requirements

Most of these flowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil. Be sure to read the planting instructions for each flower before planting. Some flowers, such as mint and basil, prefer partial shade.

Planting Options

These flowers can be planted in pots or directly in the ground. Pots are a great option if you have limited space or want to move your plants around. If you choose to plant directly in the ground, be sure to space the plants out properly to allow for optimal growth.

FAQs

1. Are these flowers safe for pets?

Yes, most of these flowers are safe for pets. However, some, such as chrysanthemums, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

2. Can I use these flowers indoors?

Yes, many of these flowers can be used indoors to repel bugs. For example, you can use dried lavender to make sachets or repellent sprays for indoor use.

3. How often do I need to water these flowers?

Most of these flowers prefer well-draining soil, so be sure not to overwater them. Watering once a week should be sufficient, but be sure to check the soil moisture level before watering.

4. Can I plant these flowers in the fall?

Yes, many of these flowers can be planted in the fall. Chrysanthemums are a popular fall flower that repels bugs.

5. Do these flowers work for all types of bugs?

No, these flowers may repel some bugs better than others. For example, marigolds are great for repelling mosquitoes and whiteflies, but they may not be as effective at repelling ants or roaches.


In there are many different types of flowers that can help keep bugs away from your garden and outdoor living space. From marigolds to lavender to chrysanthemums, these flowers offer both beauty and functionality. By planting these flowers in your garden, you can naturally repel insects and enjoy a bug-free outdoor experience.