10 Plants That Will Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Yard

Catnip

Mosquitoes hate catnip, the very same plant that your cats love. Also known as catmint, this herbaceous perennial emits a chemical that acts a natural insect repellant. "It's a fast and aggressive grower with a square stem and gray-green leaves bearing small white flowers with a purple dot in the center," says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE, technical specialist for Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company.

• Zones: 3 to 7
• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 3 to 3 feet wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, sandy, well-drained soil

Citronella

One of the most well-known mosquito repelling plants, citronella produces a strong, citrus-like scent that mosquitoes don't like. It's the same smell that's used in candles to keep insects at bay. Citronella plants, which are a type of scented geranium, can be grown in your garden or as a container plant.

• Zones: 9 to 11
• Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil

Lavender

You may already have lavender growing in your garden—it's a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant beloved by many home gardeners. Not only is it easy to grow, but lavender also produces an oil that is highly effective as a mosquito repellant. "Lavender is a plant that will thrive in the dry heat of summer," says Linda Vater, plant expert for Southern Living Plant Collection. "The scent is amazing in the garden and repels mosquitoes while the purple blooms attract pollinators."

Not sure which variety to grow? Try Phenomenal lavender for an iteration that is heat, humidity, and drought tolerant.

• Zones: 5 to 9
• Size: 24 to 30 inches tall x 24 to 30 inches wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil amended with sand

Mint

Peppermint emits a refreshing scent that humans enjoy, but mosquitoes don't. The plant spreads rapidly, so just one can provide enough mosquito control for the season. "Peppermint has such a potent scent that it is an effective natural insect repellent," says Carrie Spoonemore of Park Seed.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide
• Growing conditions: part shade to full sun; well-drained soil

Basil

Another herb with a pungent smell that is off-putting to mosquitos is basil. For a variety with an exceptionally strong scent, try 'Cinnamon' Basil. "Basil leaves can be crushed to release the scent or made into a repellent spray," says Spoonemore. "As a bonus, basil will also repel other pests in the garden.”

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Size: 18 to 30 inches tall x 36 inches wide.
• Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil

Marigolds

Marigolds are commonly grown in the garden as a way to deter insects and other pests. French varieties, like Durango Mixture French marigold, are the most effective at repelling mosquitoes from mid-spring through late summer. "Marigolds are low-maintenance plants, but pinching spent blooms can encourage and prolong flowering," says Spoonemore.

• Zones: 2 to 8
• Size: 10 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 8 inches wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

Lemongrass

The citronella oil found in lemongrass is nearly as effective as a bug repellent, especially if you crush up the leaves and rub it on your skin. "Lemongrass is an easy-care plant that is attractive enough to grow simply as an ornamental in patio pots or the landscape," says Spoonemore.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Sage

A hardy perennial that flowers in the spring, sage is another aromatic herb that is effective for repelling mosquitoes. "This long-lived perennial is easy to grow and a mainstay for the garden or containers," says Spoonemore. You can also grow it alongside vegetables that are at risk of being ravaged by animals, as sage is a great companion plant.

• Zones: 4 to 8
• Size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; loamy, well-drained soil

Rosemary

The lovely scent of rosemary pulls double duty: It welcomes pollinators, but is off-putting to mosquitoes. If you're looking for a specific variety to grow, Chef's Choice culinary rosemary has a higher essential oil content than other varieties of rosemary and can be more effective at repelling mosquitos. "This compact variety of rosemary makes a charming porch planting or an attractive, low-maintenance scented border," says Vater.

• Zones: 8 to 10
• Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wide
• Growing conditions: full sun; loamy well-drained soil

Allium

Many species of allium start blooming in spring—before mosquito season is in full swing. Known for its pungent smell, onion, garlic, leeks, and shallots are all in the allium family. "Allium cultivars can be planted in succession to ensure a full season of blooms and mosquito repellent," says PeggyAnne Montgomery, horticulturist for Flowerbulbs.com. "They are also easy to grow and require little maintenance."

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Size: depends on variety
• Growing conditions: full sun; well-drained soil