Flowers That Deter Pests

Are you tired of battling pests in your garden? Do you want to avoid using harsh chemicals to keep them away? If so, you might want to consider planting flowers that repel pests naturally. Not only do these plants keep unwanted visitors at bay, but they also add a pop of color and beauty to your garden. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most effective flowers that deter pests.

The Benefits of Planting Flowers That Deter Pests

Planting flowers that deter pests has several benefits. Firstly, it helps reduce the use of pesticides, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. Secondly, it attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants. Lastly, it adds aesthetic value to your garden, giving you a beautiful and pest-free outdoor space.

Marigold: A Natural Pest Control

Marigold is one of the most popular flowers when it comes to natural pest control. Its strong scent repels pests such as mosquitoes, aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. Additionally, marigolds attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. You can plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with vegetables.

Types of Marigolds

There are two main types of marigolds: French and African. French marigolds are smaller and bushier than African marigolds. They come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red. African marigolds are larger and have large, showy flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, gold, and orange.

Lavender: A Pest-Repelling Herb

Lavender is not only a beautiful herb with a lovely scent, but it also has pest-repelling properties. Lavender repels pests like mosquitoes, fleas, and moths. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants. You can plant lavender around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables.

How to Grow Lavender

Lavender prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It does not tolerate wet feet and requires minimal watering. Lavender grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. To grow lavender, you can from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in early spring or fall, depending on your climate.

Petunias: A Colorful Pest Deterrent

Petunias are another colorful flower that can help deter pests naturally. Petunias have a strong scent that repels pests like aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. You can plant petunias in pots or hanging baskets, or interplant them with vegetables and herbs.

Caring for Petunias

Petunias prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They require regular watering and fertilizer application. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and flowering.

Nasturtiums: A Natural Insecticide

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful but also have insecticidal properties. Nasturtiums contain a compound called benzyl isothiocyanate, which repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage loopers. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on common garden pests. You can plant nasturtiums around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with vegetables.

Uses of Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only beautiful but also edible. Their leaves, flowers, and seeds are all edible and have a peppery flavor. You can add them to salads, sandwiches, or use them as a garnish.

Chrysanthemums: A Natural Insecticide

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is toxic to many common garden pests like ants, beetles, and roaches. It is also safe for humans and pets. Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, and white. You can plant chrysanthemums around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with vegetables.

How to Care for Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They require regular watering and fertilizer application. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and flowering.

Cosmos: A Natural Butterfly Magnet

Cosmos is another beautiful flower that attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. Cosmos does not have strong pest-repelling properties, but it attracts beneficial insects that can help control pests like aphids and mealybugs. You can plant cosmos around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with other flowers and vegetables.

How to Grow Cosmos

Cosmos prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions, making it a great choice for summer gardens. Cosmos grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. To grow cosmos, you can from seeds or seedlings. Plant them in early spring after the last frost date.

Zinnias: A Natural Pollinator Attractor

Zinnias are another beautiful flower that attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and yellow. Zinnias do not have strong pest-repelling properties, but they attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate your plants. You can plant zinnias around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with other flowers and vegetables.

How to Care for Zinnias

Zinnias prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They require regular watering and fertilizer application. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and flowering.

Sunflowers: A Natural Bird Repellent

Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also have bird-repelling properties. Sunflowers contain a compound called helianthine, which repels birds like sparrows and blackbirds. Additionally, sunflowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. You can plant sunflowers around the perimeter of your garden or interplant them with other flowers and vegetables.

Uses of Sunflowers

Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also edible. Their seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats. You can roast them for a tasty snack or add them to salads and baked goods.

Rosemary: A Pest-Repelling Herb

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that has pest-repelling properties. Rosemary repels pests like mosquitoes, fleas, and moths. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants. You can plant rosemary around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables.

How to Grow Rosemary

Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It does not tolerate wet feet and requires minimal watering. Rosemary grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. To grow rosemary, you can from seeds or cuttings. Plant them in early spring or fall, depending on your climate.

Dill: A Natural Pest Control

Dill is a fragrant herb that has pest-repelling properties. Dill repels pests like aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common garden pests. You can plant dill around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables.

Uses of Dill

Dill is not only a great pest repellent but also edible. Its leaves and seeds are used in many culinary dishes, including pickles, soups, and salads.

Garlic: A Natural Pest Control

Garlic is a pungent herb that has pest-repelling properties. Garlic repels pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. It also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which feed on common garden pests. You can plant garlic around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables.

Uses of Garlic

Garlic is not only a great pest repellent but also edible. Its cloves are used in many culinary dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces.

Mint: A Pest-Repelling Herb

Mint is a fragrant herb that has pest-repelling properties. Mint repels pests like ants, mosquitoes, and mice. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants. You can plant mint around the perimeter of your garden or interplant it with other herbs and vegetables.

Uses of Mint

Mint is not only a great pest repellent but also edible. Its leaves are used in many culinary dishes, including teas, salads, and desserts.


Planting flowers that deter pests is a natural and effective way to keep your garden pest-free. Not only do these plants repel common garden pests, but they also attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate your plants. Whether you're looking for colorful flowers, fragrant herbs, or edible plants, there's a pest-repelling flower that's perfect for your garden.

FAQs

1. Can I use these flowers indoors to repel pests?

Yes, you can use some of these flowers indoors to repel pests. For example, lavender and mint are great indoor plants that repel pests like mosquitoes and flies.

2. Are these flowers safe for pets?

Most of these flowers are safe for pets, but some can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. It's always best to research a plant's toxicity level before planting it in your garden.

3. How often should I water these flowers?

The watering frequency depends on the plant's specific needs. Most of these flowers prefer well-drained soil and minimal watering.

4. Will these flowers attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, most of these flowers attract bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your plants.

5. Can I use these flowers in my vegetable garden?

Yes, you can interplant these flowers with vegetables to naturally deter pests and attract beneficial insects.