If you’re tired of swatting at mosquitoes every time you try to enjoy your garden, you’re not alone.
I used to think citronella candles were the only answer, but it turns out there are plenty of natural ways to repel mosquitoes—starting with what you plant.
These mosquito-repellent plants don’t just work—they look amazing too. Whether you’ve got a small patio, a full garden, or a sunny balcony, these are the outdoor plants that keep bugs away without the need for harsh chemicals.
Here are my top picks for outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes naturally. I’ve grown most of these myself, and they’ve made a noticeable difference.
1. Lavender – A Mosquito-Repellent Powerhouse That Smells Divine
Lavender is my go-to plant for repelling mosquitoes, and it also happens to be one of the prettiest and most fragrant flowers in the garden. Its soothing scent is a natural mosquito repellent, and I find it works especially well near seating areas. I like planting it in terracotta pots on either side of my patio doors to create a natural barrier. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and once established, it’s drought-tolerant too. It adds color, scent, and bug-fighting power all in one.
2. Citronella Grass – The Classic Outdoor Plant That Keeps Bugs Away
Citronella grass is the original outdoor mosquito-repellent plant, and for good reason. The lemony scent is strong enough to mask the smell of humans, which is why mosquitoes hate it. I’ve planted it in large containers around my outdoor seating area—it looks lush and tropical, and when the breeze picks up, it releases even more scent. Just make sure to give it a sunny spot and a bit of space to grow, as it can get quite large in a season.
3. Marigolds – Bright, Cheerful, and Naturally Mosquito-Repellent
Marigolds are one of the easiest ways to brighten up a garden while keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay. The smell of the flowers is unpleasant to mosquitoes but lovely to me, and they bloom constantly through the warmer months. I like tucking marigolds in between my veggies or along the front of my flower beds. They’re low-maintenance, affordable, and the perfect combination of form and function.
4. Scented Geraniums – Pretty Flowers With Powerful Mosquito Protection
Scented geraniums, especially the lemon-scented varieties, are fantastic outdoor plants that repel mosquitoes. Their bright blooms look great in pots, and their citrusy smell is strong enough to send bugs packing. I keep a few on my front steps and another near the garden table, and they’ve made a big difference. They love sunny spots and don’t need much water once established, which makes them easy to care for too.
5. Bee Balm – A Pollinator Favorite That Keeps Mosquitoes Away
Bee balm adds a bold splash of color to the garden and is excellent for keeping mosquitoes at bay. The scent, which reminds me of oregano and citrus, acts as a natural bug repellent. I grow mine at the back of the border, where its tall red blooms attract bees and hummingbirds—but not mosquitoes. It likes moist soil and plenty of sun, and it’s one of those plants that just keeps giving throughout the season.
6. Lemon Balm – Easy to Grow and Great for Bug Control
Lemon balm is part of the mint family and has a fresh lemon scent that mosquitoes avoid. I love this plant because it’s so forgiving—even if you’re new to gardening. I grow it in pots so it doesn’t take over the garden, and I often pinch off a few leaves to rub on my arms and legs when I’m outside in the evening. It’s perfect for patios and balconies, and it thrives in part shade too.
7. Catnip – Surprisingly Effective at Repelling Mosquitoes
Catnip isn’t just for cats—it’s a powerhouse mosquito repellent too. I was shocked to learn it’s more effective than DEET in some studies. It grows easily and fills in bare spots quickly, so I use it as a soft border along walkways. Just be prepared for the neighborhood cats to visit! I’ve found it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and it doesn’t need much water once it’s going.
8. Rosemary – The Ultimate Multi-Tasker for Cooking and Bug Control
Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs, and I love that it also keeps mosquitoes at bay. Its strong, woody scent acts as a deterrent, especially when you brush against it. I keep pots of rosemary around my outdoor dining area, and it works double duty as a fresh cooking ingredient. It prefers dry soil and full sun, and you can even shape it into topiary for a bit of Mediterranean flair.
9. Basil – Edible, Fragrant, and a Natural Mosquito Blocker
Basil is a summer essential in my kitchen and my garden. It repels mosquitoes while attracting pollinators, and it looks great mixed with flowers in containers. I grow several varieties—sweet basil, lemon basil, and Thai basil—and all of them help keep the bugs away. Just remember it loves heat, sun, and regular watering to keep producing those flavorful leaves.
10. Mint – Bold Scented and Ideal for Containers
Mint is a powerful plant that keeps mosquitoes away, but it can take over your garden if you’re not careful. That’s why I always grow it in pots near doorways and seating areas. The crisp, cool scent is refreshing to us but overwhelming to mosquitoes. It’s also great for tea and cocktails, so I love having it close by in summer. Keep it in partial sun and give it a regular trim to keep it tidy.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Want to boost the mosquito-fighting power of your garden? Here are a few simple tricks I’ve found make a real difference:
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Group mosquito-repellent plants near where you sit, eat, or relax outside
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Use containers to move plants closer to doors, patios, or problem spots
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Regularly pinch or brush the leaves to release more of the plant’s scent
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Mix flowers and herbs together in pots for a beautiful and functional display
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Keep your garden tidy—remove standing water and trim back overgrowth
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