Perennial Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Looking for a beautiful and natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay? Consider adding perennial plants that repel mosquitoes to your garden. These hardy plants come back year after year, saving you money and effort while creating a more pleasant outdoor space. They work by producing scents or oils that mosquitoes find unpleasant. This method is a great complement to other protective measures.

You can plant them in garden beds, near seating areas, or in containers on your patio. Let’s look at some of the best options for your garden.

This list includes reliable perennials known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Remember, the strength of the effect can vary based on the plant’s health and how it’s used.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family with a strong citrus scent. It’s very easy to grow, sometimes too easy—it can spread quickly. For the best effect, crush a few leaves in your hand to release the oils before spending time outside.

Growing Tips: Prefers full sun to part shade. Tolerates most soil types.
Caution: Can be invasive. Consider growing it in a container.

Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is a lovely, low-maintenance plant with gray-green foliage and spikes of purple flowers. It’s a favorite of cats and bees, but mosquitoes tend to avoid it. It’s more well-behaved in the garden than its cousin, catnip.

Growing Tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Bonus: It’s deer resistant, which is a plus for many gardeners.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Famous for its calming fragrance, lavender is also disliked by mosquitoes. Its essential oils are a common ingredient in natural repellents. The beautiful purple flowers add a touch of classic charm to any garden.

Growing Tips: Needs full sun and excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering.
Use: Dry the flowers to make sachets for your home.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

This woody herb is not just for cooking. Its pungent scent helps ward off mosquitoes. You can grow it as a perennial shrub in warmer climates or in pots that you bring indoors in colder regions.

Growing Tips: Requires full sun and light, sandy soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Idea: Throw a few springs on the barbecue coals to release a repellent smoke.

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Also known as bergamot, bee balm produces vibrant, shaggy flowers that attract pollinators. The leaves contain aromatic compounds that mosquitoes don’t like. It’s a tall, striking plant for the back of a border.

Growing Tips: Prefers full sun but appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates. Keep soil moist.
Note: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew; choose resistant varieties.

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

This is the source of the citronella oil used in many candles and sprays. It’s a tall, clumping grass with a strong lemony fragrance. It’s not winter-hardy in cold areas and is often treated as an annual.

Growing Tips: Needs full sun and plenty of water. Best in containers in most climates.
Important: Crush the leaves to release the scent when you need it.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Garden sage is a tough, woody herb with textured leaves. Burning dried sage is a particularly effective way to clear mosquitoes from an area, but simply growing it can provide some protection.

Growing Tips: Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Prune regularly to keep it bushy.
Camping Tip: Throw some sage on your campfire for a protective aroma.

How to Use These Plants Effectively

Just having the plants in your yard isn’t always enough. To get the most benifit, you need to think about placement and how to release their oils.

Strategic Garden Placement

Plant your mosquito-repelling perennials in areas where you spend the most time. Think about your patio, deck, porch, or near garden seating. Creating a border around these spaces can help form a natural barrier.

Place taller plants like Bee Balm or Citronella Grass in the back.
Use medium plants like Lavender and Catmint in the middle.
Keep spreading plants like Lemon Balm in containers or edged beds.

Releasing the Essential Oils

The repellent power is in the plant’s oils. To use them:

Brushing & Crushing: Gently brush against the plants or crush leaves between your fingers as you walk by.
Pruning: Regular pruning encourages new growth, which is often more aromatic.
Making a Rub: For direct, short-term protection, you can crush clean leaves and rub them lightly on your skin (do a patch test first for allergies).

Companion Planting for a Pest-Free Zone

Combine several of these plants together for a stronger effect. Grouping different aromatic plants can confuse and repel a wider range of pests. For example, plant lavender, rosemary, and catmint together in a sunny herb garden near your door.

Important Limitations and Considerations

It’s crucial to have realistic expectations. These plants are a fantastic tool, but they are not a complete force field.

Range is Limited: The repellent effect usually only extends a few feet from the plant itself.
Wind Matters: A breeze will help carry the scent, but strong wind can dilute it quickly.
Not a Substitute for Severe Areas: In regions with high mosquito-borne illness rates, you should rely on proven EPA-registered repellents for primary protection.
Eliminate Breeding Sites: The most effective mosquito control is removing standing water where they breed. No plant can overcome a nearby source of thousands of mosquitoes.

FAQ About Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Do mosquito repellent plants really work?

Yes, but with caveats. The plants themselves release oils that can deter mosquitoes in their immediate vicinity. For personal protection, you usually need to crush the leaves to release a meaningful amount of oil.

What is the most effective perennial plant to keep mosquitoes away?

Citronella Grass is often cited as the most effective due to its high oil content. However, Lemon Balm and Catmint are also very strong and are easier to grow as true perennials in many climates.

How should I arrange my garden to repel bugs naturally?

Create dense plantings of aromatic herbs and flowers around your sitting areas. Use a mix of heights and textures, and place the most fragrant plants closest to where you sit. Always consider each plant’s sunlight and water needs when grouping them.

Can I make my own repellent from these plants?

You can, but homemade sprays require care. Steeping leaves in a carrier oil or alcohol can extract the repellent compounds. However, the potency and duration of protection will be less than commercial products, and you must store them properly to prevent spoilage.

Are these plants safe for pets and children?

Most common garden herbs like lavender, rosemary, and catmint are generally safe. However, some plants can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Always research specific plant safety, and supervise young children and pets in the garden. Lemon balm, for instance, is generally safe but can cause an upset stomach if a pet eats a lot of it.