Four mosquito repellent plants to add to your patio

Mosquitoes may be the most despised pest of the summer, and if you don’t wish to slather yourself in bug spray every time you go to sit on your porch, there are plants that do great in containers that can act as a mosquito barrier where you tend to lounge about the most. Bonus points for them being low maintenance!

Lemongrass

A tried and true plant that works well as a backdrop for other flowers in a pot (think lemongrass in the back, trailing flowers in the front). It’s willowy, easy to maintain, and edible : harvest stalks at the base when they’re 12” tall and chop to use for marinades, sauces, or any other culinary needs.

Citronella Plant 

Commonly known as citronella or mosquito plant, it’s actually a citronella scented leaf geranium (which is really a pelargonium but labeled as a geranium… confusing I know). Whatever you call it, this plant is so strongly scented of citronella that just one tiny touch with leave a lingering scent on your hands and does the mosquito repellent job well.  In fact, the oil of this plant is what is used in citronella candles!

Citronella plant is easy to care for. It only needs to be watered every few days (it hates being overwatered), and it has a lovely light pink bloom that emerges throughout the season. It’s best to deadhead these blooms and also take off any leaves that may wither.

Please note that citronella plant is only a perennial in zones 9-10, so if you live in Virginia like I do, this plant will need to be brought indoors for the winter (or plan to treat it as an annual). 

Basil

A wonderful culinary herb that doubles as a mosquito (and fly!) repellent. Basil is fairly easy to grow: just give it lots of sun + good drainage, and take off any yellowing leaves throughout the season. All varieties will do the job, so have fun choosing those that you love the most! Personally the purple varieties are a favorite for adding some dark contrast to a mix pot of flowers or herbs.

Marigolds

Marigolds are one of the most helpful flowers you can grow, warding off not just mosquitoes but flys, tomato worms, and thrips (to name a few). There are many varieties to choose from, and I would recommend choosing a shorter variety is you’re wanting to grow them in pots. French marigolds are a personal favorite! 

Just as with the citronella plant, it’s best to deadhead marigolds throughout the season to encourage new growth and keep them healthy.

Hope this was helpful, and happy mosquito-free lounging to you this spring and summer.