13 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

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Love being outdoors, but are you sick of those annoying blood-sucking mosquitoes? Put down the sprays and nets.

Here are thirteen different mosquito repellent plants you can grow that’ll help keep the mosquitoes away.

Bug zappers are also annoying and leave you sitting among insect parts. Moreover, you may not be in the mood for smoky candles or incense. However, this does not mean you have to be bothered by mosquitoes.

Most people know about cintronella. It’s found in many products that keep bugs away, but others can do the job of mosquito control.


Check out the list below for plants to keep mosquitoes away.

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

This is a popular perennial plant that flourishes in the USDA zones.

This plant needs partial shade to full sun and looks great potted on a patio!

Vibrant pink flowers with lush greenery.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @brians.buds

The essential oils from this plant are also used to produce natural mosquito-repellant candles.

They’re great anti-mosquito plants.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Mosquitoes hate the lemony scent of lemongrass plants. With some patience, you can easily grow this plant in your garden.

You just have to buy stalks easily available in the market. Lemongrass prefers good drainage and full sun.

However, it’s important to understand that this beautiful tropical plant does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Good plants mosquitoes hate.

More on Growing Cymbopogon Citratus



Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

For some gardeners, this is a perennial. For others, it is an annual plant. The Catnip plant is considered about 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes. However, this plant tends to be quite invasive.

Cat amidst purple flowers in a garden.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @this_that_andcats

If it’s in the garden bed, cats can crush this plant. But you can keep a couple of them in hanging containers to avoid both problems.

Great plants that repel mosquitoes.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

This is a sun-loving annual plant. Besides mosquitoes, this one can also repel aphids. It can be an exceptional companion plant for the vegetable garden.

Marigold plants are very easy to maintain. You don’t need much care to keep them healthy and flourishing.

Vibrant orange marigold, close-up with soft background.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @soumita337ganguly

This border plant offers the simplicity of collecting seeds for next year’s planting. Due to this, Marigold is an excellent addition. However, you should never rub this plant on your skin.

They’re good mosquito control plants.

You may also like our article on the Best Shade of Flowers

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil is considered heavenly to most humans. This shrub can easily repel mosquitoes and keep your garden safe.

Rosemary sprig with dewdropsPin
Photo Credit: Instagram @crumpetsandcrochet

Growing rosemary plants are one of the most attractive bushes for herb and container gardens. It does not require a lot of water.

In addition to this, Rosemary is also delicious, and you can use it for cooking soups, egg dishes, and meat.

Another great mosquito-repellent shrub.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

This perennial plant has somewhat silvery foliage. In most zones, this plant can be easily grown in full sun. This is one of the unique border plants.

The pungent odor of this plant can keep mosquitoes at bay. Once again, you should ensure this plant is not rubbed on your skin.

Easy to grow mosquito-resistant plants.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Many different mint oils are excellent for repelling mosquitoes. Thus, you should keep a couple of pots filled with these aromatic and hardy plants in the garden. Plants in the mint family can spread easily, and they are best cultivated in small containers.

Lush green mint leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @bonts_world

Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

The floss flower is an annual plant that grows about 6″ to 12″ inches. It needs partial shade to full sun. Besides repelling mosquitoes, this plant is considered an excellent butterfly nectar plant.

Vibrant purple fuzzy flowers with green leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @mieko7082

Cadaga Tree (Eucalyptus torelliana)

As the name suggests, this is a tree. It requires full sun to grow properly. This tree can attract wildlife to your garden. However, it is effective for repelling
mosquitoes. With this tree in your garden, you may need a fence.

Eucalyptus flowers and buds against a blue sky.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @nomenclaturabotanica

Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Catmint is another perennial plant to repel mosquitoes. Its height is just about 2′ to 3′ feet. This plant is an excellent mosquito repellant. In addition to this,
catmint is also a butterfly nectar plant. Your cats will just love it.

Cat amidst purple flowers in a garden.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @this_that_andcats

Clove Tree (Syzygium aromaticum)

This is another tree to repel mosquitoes. However, it’s not very tall. It needs partial shade to full sun. The flower buds of this tree produce spices, which are used in various dishes. It’s an excellent mosquito repellant.

Cloves on a tree with flowers and green leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @sunna_hiskazelisc

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a perennial plant. Lavender provides nectar for butterflies. The flowers can be easily dried and kept in the garden to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

Vibrant purple lavender flowers in bloom.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @provenwinners

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a perennial plant and requires partial shade to full sun. The leaves can be used in flavor iced and hot teas. It can also be used as a substitute for lemon peel.

Lush green leaves of lemon balm in sunlight.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @pterobones

These were the 13 most popular plants to repel mosquitoes. With these plants in your garden, it will be easier to get rid of mosquitoes and enjoy your time in the Sun or while taking care of your garden.