Perennial Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

If you’re tired of battling mosquitoes every time you step into your garden, you might be looking for a natural solution. Choosing perennial plants that repel mosquitoes is a beautiful and effective way to reclaim your outdoor space.

This method is safe for kids, pets, and beneficial pollinators. It also adds lasting structure and beauty to your landscape. Let’s look at how these plants work and which ones you should consider planting.

This group of plants contains natural oils and compounds that mosquitoes find offensive. When the leaves are brushed or crushed, they release these scents into the air. This creates a subtle, natural barrier that can help keep the pesky biters at bay.

How Mosquito-Repelling Plants Actually Work

It’s important to have realistic expectations. These plants don’t act like a force field. They don’t release enough scent on their own to clear a large patio.

Their power is more localized. The effectiveness increases when you:

Brush against them while walking by.
Crush a few leaves and rub them on your skin (always do a patch test first!).
Plant them in high-traffic areas near seating, doors, and pathways.
Use their cuttings or dried leaves to make simple repellent sachets.

The key is interaction. Think of them as a living ingredient in your mosquito control plan, not the sole solution.

Top Perennial Mosquito-Repelling Plants for Your Garden

Here are some of the most reliable and easy-to-grow perennials known for their mosquito-deterring properties. Remember to check your USDA hardiness zone to ensure they are perennial in your area.

1. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

This member of the mint family has a strong lemon scent that mosquitoes avoid. It’s incredibly easy to grow, sometimes too easy—it can spread readily.

Hardiness: Zones 3-7
Planting Tip: Grow it in containers to prevent it from taking over your garden beds. It tolerates some shade but thrives in sun.
Use: Crush a handful of leaves and rub them on your arms or legs for a quick, natural repellent.

2. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Research has shown that catnip can be even more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes, thanks to the compound nepetalactone. Your cats will love it too, which can be a downside if they roll in it.

Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Planting Tip: Plant it in a sturdy cage or a spot where cat traffic won’t damage other plants. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Use: Dry the leaves and flowers to stuff into pillows for your patio furniture or make a simple herbal spray.

3. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

While humans adore lavender’s calming fragrance, mosquitoes despise it. This drought-tolerant plant is a garden staple with beautiful purple flowers.

Hardiness: Varies by species; English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is hardy in Zones 5-8.
Planting Tip: Needs full sun and excellent drainage. Avoid overwatering. It’s perfect for sunny borders and rock gardens.
Use: Bundle dried lavender and hang it near doorways or place sachets in outdoor storage areas.

4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Now classified as a sage, rosemary is a woody perennial with a pungent scent. It’s excellent for cooking and repelling insects. Its needle-like leaves are full of aromatic oils.

Hardiness: Zones 7-10 (often grown as an annual in colder zones).
Planting Tip: Thrives in hot, sunny locations with sandy, well-drained soil. It makes a great container plant or low hedge.
Use: Throw a few springs on the barbecue coals. The smoke will help keep bugs away from your cooking area.

5. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Also known as bergamot, this native plant has showy flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees. Its leaves have a strong, citrusy aroma when crushed.

Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Planting Tip: Prefers full sun to part shade and moist soil. It can spread, so give it room or choose a clump-forming cultivar.
Use: Plant it near vegetable gardens to help protect other plants, and enjoy the beautiful pollinator show.

6. Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)

Particularly the lemon-scented and citronella varieties (often called the Mosquito Plant). These are tender perennials often grown as annuals.

Hardiness: Zones 10-11
Planting Tip: They are ideal for containers so you can move them to your patio or deck. They need full sun and well-drained potting mix.
Use: Pinch off leaves and rub them on your skin or place potted plants around seating areas.

7. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Peppermint and spearmint are vigorous growers with a powerful scent that deters mosquitoes. Warning: they are invasive and will spread everywhere if not contained.

Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Planting Tip: Always, always plant mint in pots. You can sink the pot into the ground to control its roots, but a standalone container is safest.
Use: Make a simple mint tea, let it cool, and use it as a spray for your skin and outdoor cushions.

8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

This culinary herb has broad, fuzzy leaves that are packed with scent. Burning dried sage is a particularly effective way to repel flying insects.

Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Planting Tip: Plant in full sun with good drainage. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Use: Dry bundles of sage to use as a smudge stick for your evening gatherings. The smoke is a potent repellent.

Planning and Planting Your Mosquito-Repellent Garden

Success starts with a good plan. You want to place these plants where they will be most effective and where you can enjoy them.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Mosquitoes often rest in shady, damp areas during the day. Think about where you spend your time.

Focus planting around patios, decks, doorways, and along walkways.
Create a border or hedge of repellent plants around your seating area.
Place container plants on tables or near chairs where you can easily touch them.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Most of these herbs and perennials prefer well-drained soil. They don’t like wet feet.

Test your soil drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water. If it drains within an hour, you’re good. If not, you need to amend it.
For heavy clay soil, mix in several inches of compost or coarse sand to improve drainage.
For container planting, use a high-quality potting mix designed for herbs or succulents.

Step 3: Planting for Success

Follow these steps for healthy plants:

Plant after the danger of frost has passed in the spring, or in early fall.
Space plants according to their mature size, not their nursery pot size. Check the plant tag.
Water them in thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Add a thin layer of mulch, like gravel or bark, to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the plant stems.

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Healthy plants produce more aromatic oils. Here’s how to keep them thriving:

Watering: Most of these plants are drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake.
Pruning: Regularly harvest or pinch back the tips of herbs like mint, lemon balm, and basil. This encourages bushier growth and prevents them from becoming leggy.
Fertilizing: Go easy. Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leafy growth with less concentrated scent. A light application of compost in the spring is usually sufficient.

Making Simple Natural Repellents from Your Garden

To boost the effectiveness of your plants, you can make easy DIY repellents. Here are two simple recipes.

Herbal Insect-Repellent Spray

Gather a large handful of fresh leaves from plants like rosemary, mint, lavender, and sage.
Chop them roughly and place them in a clean glass jar.
Pour boiling water over the herbs until the jar is full. Let it steep until completely cool.
Strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Add a tablespoon of vodka or witch hazel as a preservative (this helps it last about a week in the fridge).
Shake well before use and spray on clothing (do a test for stains first) and exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mouth.

Dried Herb Sachets and Bundles

This is a great way to use pruned material or end-of-season harvests.

Harvest stems of lavender, rosemary, sage, and mint.
Bundle them with string and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks.
Once crsip and dry, you can leave them as bundles or strip the leaves and flowers.
Place the dried material into small muslin bags or simply tie them up in a square of cheesecloth.
Put these sachets in patio furniture cushions, storage boxes, or near open windows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for:

Planting in the wrong spot: Putting shade-loving plants in full sun (or vice versa) will stress them, reducing their scent and growth.
Overcrowding: Good air circulation is crucial for preventing fungal diseases, especially on fuzzy-leaved plants like sage.
Forgetting about containers: Invasive plants like mint and lemon balm really do need to be confined. Planting them directly in a garden bed is a regret you’ll have for years.
Having unrealistic expectations: A few plants won’t eliminate all mosquitoes, especially if you have standing water nearby. They are part of a integrated plan.

Integrating with Other Mosquito Control Methods

For the best results, combine your plantings with other smart tactics:

Eliminate Standing Water: This is the single most important step. Empty saucers under pots, clean gutters, and refresh birdbath water every 2-3 days.
Use Fans: Mosquitoes are weak fliers. A simple box fan on your patio can blow them away and disrupt their ability to find you.
Attract Predators: Encourage birds, bats, and dragonflies by providing water, shelter, and avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides.
Wear Appropriate Clothing: When mosquitoes are at their worst, wearing long, light-colored sleeves and pants provides a physical barrier.

FAQ: Perennial Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

What is the most effective perennial plant to repel mosquitoes?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is often cited as the most effective due to its high concentration of nepetalactone. However, lemon balm, rosemary, and sage are also very potent and useful in the garden.

Do mosquito repellent plants work in pots?

Yes, they work very well in pots. In fact, container gardening is ideal for controlling spreaders like mint and for moving tender plants like scented geraniums to optimal locations. Place the pots where you sit or enter your home.

How many plants do I need to keep mosquitoes away?

There’s no magic number, as it depends on your space. Focus on density and placement rather than count. Plant several of the same type together in key areas to create a stronger scent zone, rather than scattering single plants far apart.

Are these plants safe for my pets?

Most are safe, but it’s always best to research each plant. For example, catnip is safe for cats, but essential oils from these plants can be irritating. The plants themselves in the garden are generally fine, but discourage pets from eating large quantities. Consult your vet if you have specific concerns.

Can I just plant citronella grass to repel mosquitoes?

True Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a perennial in very warm climates (Zones 10-12). The “citronella plant” sold in stores is usually a scented geranium. While both have some repellent properties, they are not a standalone solution. Their effectiveness relies on you crushing the leaves to release the oils.

Why aren’t my mosquito-repelling plants working?

First, check if you’re brushing against them to release their scent. Second, ensure they are healthy and getting the right sun and water. Third, remember they are a supplement. If you have a major mosquito breeding site nearby (like a neglected pond or clogged ditch), the plant’s effect will be overwhelmed. Address breeding sources first.

Adding perennial plants that repel mosquitoes to your garden is a smart, sustainable strategy. It creates a lovely, fragrant environment for you and a hostile one for pests. By choosing the right plants, placing them strategically, and using their leaves in simple DIY projects, you can significantly reduce your mosquito problems. Start with a few pots of rosemary and lemon balm by your back door, and enjoy a more peaceful summer outdoors.