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Mosquito Repellent Plants for Your Patio

You finally have that beautifully landscaped patio you always dreamed of. The decorative rock in your landscaping creates visual interest for your guests to enjoy as they wait for dinner to come off the grill. What could possibly go wrong? Mosquitos. Read on to learn about mosquito repellent plants for your patio.

These tiny bloodsuckers are not only a nuisance, but they can carry diseases. They ruin any outdoor event in an instant. In this blog, we have pulled together a list of mosquito repellent plants that will also add color and texture to planters around your backyard entertainment areas.

The obvious solution is to apply bug spray to your exposed skin and clothing, but what is in those repellents? Some sprays contain synthetic chemicals that may not be ideal for everyone. Other repellents contain plant-based scents that naturally repel mosquitos. Perhaps there is another natural way to deter the nuance without spraying yourself.

Ageratum

1. Ageratum

This annual is a non-stop bloomer from mid-summer to fall in mounds up to 20 inches tall by 8 inches wide. Ageratum is deer and rabbit resistant; it attracts butterflies and can be cut and brought into the house for a lovely table display. Crushing the leaves of the ageratum plant releases their mosquito-repelling scent but should not be rubbed on the skin.

Ageratum makes a terrific container plant. Pair it with other plants that can handle 4-5 hours of sun a day, along with moist, well-drained soil. It also looks great planted in a rock garden. Ageratum does not require a green thumb, but do not let it get too cold; anything below 39°F, and this beauty will fade away.

Geranium

2. Geranium

The geranium is also known as “mosquito away.” Its smell is a natural insect repellent that is effective against mosquitos and midges.

Geraniums are a very popular annual because of their ability to produce a vast array of colors that last and last. It is an easy-to-grow plant that attracts butterflies, can take the heat of full-sun exposure, and is resistant to drought-like conditions. Geraniums do not like to get their leaves wet, so keep that in mind when watering.  This powerhouse bloomer can grow to over 2 feet tall.

Lantana

3. Lantana

The kaleidoscope of colors of the annual lantana is attractive to all kinds of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The flower clusters of this plant will change color during its days of blooming from late spring clear through late fall. The deer-resistant lantana loves the sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-resistant and happily lives in containers.

Lavender

4. Lavender

The intense scent of lavender has long been a favorite of people everywhere. Ancient Romans hung fragrant bundles of lavender to freshen their homes. Although, deer do not have the same affection for the smell of lavender, which makes it a great choice to deter them from your garden.

You will find lavender in many everyday items like bath products, potpourri, cosmetics, and medicine. Lavender is shown to relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia. But what makes it so popular among humans is what makes it run mosquitos out of town, the smell. The scent of lavender overwhelms the mosquito’s olfactory senses. Bye-bye mosquitos!

The lavender plant will tolerate many different weather conditions, but it prefers warm, well-drained alkaline soil. Lavender blooms prefer full-sun exposure and do not tolerate shade.

Marigold

5. Marigold

Marigolds are available in several different species. They vary from compact pom-pom blossoms on a compact plant to taller varieties that resemble daisies. These low-maintenance beauties come in a plethora of colors and can grow virtually anywhere. They are commonly used in the edges of vegetable gardens because their scent deters rabbits.

A true annual, marigolds will have to be replanted every year. Fertile soil and full-sun exposure will allow them to reach their full potential without significant maintenance. Marigolds have an intense odor that is very unpleasant to mosquitos, rabbits, wasps, and other insects.

Finally, are you making your mosquito problem worse? Review this article for some common mistakes that invite these party-wreckers to your backyard.

Wilson Blacktop is happy to have helped create the visual appeal of your backyard with our landscaping materials. Now we want to help you enjoy it for countless evenings with some natural mosquito repellent suggestions.