Beautiful Flowers That Repel Mosquitoes

The Problem With Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are pesky insects that can ruin even the most beautiful outdoor activities. Not only do they cause itchy bites, but they can also carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus. While there are many mosquito repellent products on the market, some people prefer to use natural methods to keep mosquitoes away. One of these methods is to plant flowers that naturally repel mosquitoes. In this article, we'll explore 15 of the most beautiful flowers that can help you keep mosquitoes at bay.

Marigolds

Why Marigolds Repel Mosquitoes

Marigolds are a popular flower for gardens and landscaping due to their bright colors and easy-to-grow nature. However, they also have a natural ability to repel mosquitoes. Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in commercial insecticides. When planted in your garden or around your patio, marigolds can help keep mosquitoes away.

How to Plant Marigolds

Marigolds are an easy flower to grow from seed or transplant. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them in a location where you spend a lot of time outdoors, such as near your patio or deck. You can also plant them in pots and place them on your porch or balcony.

Lavender

Why Lavender Repels Mosquitoes

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is often used in aromatherapy and beauty products. However, mosquitoes don't like the smell of lavender, making it an effective natural repellent. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, lavender also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Lavender

Lavender is a hardy plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Lavender also makes a great addition to herb gardens.

Citronella

Why Citronella Repels Mosquitoes

Citronella is a popular ingredient in many mosquito repellent products. It has a strong scent that masks the smell of humans and animals, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their next meal. Citronella is also used in candles and torches, which can help keep mosquitoes away from your outdoor living areas.

How to Plant Citronella

Citronella can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can also purchase citronella plants or seeds online or at your local nursery.

Pennyroyal

Why Pennyroyal Repels Mosquitoes

Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. It is often used in herbal remedies for digestive issues and headaches, but it can also be used to keep mosquitoes away.

How to Plant Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. Pennyroyal can also be grown indoors in a sunny window.

Geraniums

Why Geraniums Repel Mosquitoes

Geraniums have a strong scent that masks the smell of humans, making it difficult for mosquitoes to find their next meal. They also contain citronella, which is a popular ingredient in many mosquito repellent products.

How to Plant Geraniums

Geraniums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Geraniums come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden.

Catnip

Why Catnip Repels Mosquitoes

While catnip may attract cats, it repels mosquitoes. In fact, catnip is up to ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is a common ingredient in insect repellent products.

How to Plant Catnip

Catnip can be grown from seeds or transplants. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Catnip can also be grown indoors in a sunny window. Keep in mind that if you have cats, they may be attracted to the plant!

Rosemary

Why Rosemary Repels Mosquitoes

Rosemary has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. It is also a popular herb used in cooking and has many health benefits, such as improving digestion and reducing stress.

How to Plant Rosemary

Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Rosemary is a slow-growing plant, so be patient and give it time to establish itself.

Basil

Why Basil Repels Mosquitoes

Basil has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. It is also a popular herb used in cooking and has many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

How to Plant Basil

Basil prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Basil is an annual plant, so you will need to replant it each year.

Chrysanthemums

Why Chrysanthemums Repel Mosquitoes

Chrysanthemums contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrum, which is commonly used in commercial insecticides. When planted in your garden or around your patio, chrysanthemums can help keep mosquitoes away.

How to Plant Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden.

Peppermint

Why Peppermint Repels Mosquitoes

Peppermint has a strong scent that repels mosquitoes. It is also a popular herb used in cooking and has many health benefits, such as reducing nausea and improving digestion.

How to Plant Peppermint

Peppermint prefers partial shade and moist soil. It can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Keep in mind that peppermint can be invasive, so it's best to plant it in a container.

Lemongrass

Why Lemongrass Repels Mosquitoes

Lemongrass contains citronella, which is a popular ingredient in many mosquito repellent products. When planted in your garden or around your patio, lemongrass can help keep mosquitoes away.

How to Plant Lemongrass

Lemongrass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Lemongrass is a tropical plant, so it may not survive winter in colder climates.

Garlic

Why Garlic Repels Mosquitoes

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes. In addition to repelling mosquitoes, garlic also has many health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and improving immune function.

How to Plant Garlic

Garlic can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested in the summer.

Nasturtiums

Why Nasturtiums Repel Mosquitoes

Nasturtiums contain a compound called linalool, which has been shown to repel mosquitoes. They also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Nasturtiums come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden.

Gerbera Daisies

Why Gerbera Daisies Repel Mosquitoes

Gerbera daisies contain a compound called pyrethrin, which is commonly used in commercial insecticides. When planted in your garden or around your patio, gerbera daisies can help keep mosquitoes away.

How to Plant Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in your garden or in pots on your patio. Gerbera daisies come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden.

FAQs

1. Do these flowers really repel mosquitoes?

Yes, these flowers contain compounds that have been shown to repel mosquitoes. However, it's important to remember that they may not be as effective as commercial mosquito repellent products.

2. Can I plant these flowers indoors?

Yes, many of these flowers can be grown indoors in a sunny window.

3. Will planting these flowers attract other insects?

Yes, some of these flowers may attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

4. Do I need to plant all of these flowers to keep mosquitoes away?

No, you can choose one or two flowers that you like and plant them in your garden or on your patio.

5. Are there any other natural methods for keeping mosquitoes away?

Yes, other natural methods for keeping mosquitoes away include using essential oils, wearing long sleeves and pants, and using mosquito nets.

If you're looking for a natural way to keep mosquitoes away, planting these beautiful flowers can be a great option. Not only do they repel mosquitoes, but they also add color and fragrance to your outdoor living spaces. Remember to plant them in a location where you spend a lot of time outdoors and to follow the planting instructions for each flower. Stay safe and enjoy your mosquito-free summer!