The 8 Best Plants to Plant to Repel Mosquitoes of 2026

The Citronella Plant from Tropical Plants of Florida, also known as the Mosquito Plant (Pelargonium Citrosum), is a live outdoor plant that promises to bring both beauty and function to your garden. This 1-gallon plant arrives at a manageable height of 12 to 16 inches, including its pot, making it an instant addition to patios, borders, or containers. It's designed for gardeners in USDA zones 9 through 11 who want a low-maintenance plant that naturally repels mosquitoes with its lemony scent.

Standout features include its impressive drought and heat tolerance. Once the plant is established in the ground, it can survive on rainfall alone in humid climates, and it laughs off full sun as long as you provide some afternoon shade if you're in a scorching zone. The lacy, textured leaves are not only attractive but also release a fragrance when brushed, which is said to deter mosquitoes. While scientific proof is limited, many users swear by it. The plant is also deer resistant, which is a plus for rural gardens.

Design and build quality are good for a live plant. Tropical Plants of Florida ships directly from their farm, so you get a fresh, field-picked specimen. However, the plant may need a bit of TLC during transit, and it's recommended to select a heat pack if nighttime temps dip below 38°F. Once it arrives, you'll want to give it a thorough watering and place it in a sunny spot. The plant is easy to care for, but it does require attention to temperature: bring it indoors when it gets cold, as it won't survive frost.

One honest drawback is that the mosquito repellent effect is not guaranteed to work for everyone. Also, at 12-16 inches tall, it's not a giant specimen, so you'll need patience for it to reach its full potential. The price point of around $28 is reasonable for a live plant from a specialist grower, but you might find larger or cheaper options at local nurseries. Additionally, the plant needs at least 6 hours of sun daily, so it's not ideal for shady yards.

Overall, the Citronella Plant is a solid choice for anyone in warm climates who wants an attractive, easy-care plant with a bonus bug-fighting reputation. It's not a miracle worker, but its beauty, fragrance, and resilience make it a worthwhile addition to your garden. If you're looking for a tropical accent that pulls double duty, this plant delivers.

Clovers Garden Citronella Plants are a practical and attractive choice for anyone looking to add natural mosquito repellent to their garden or patio. These are live citronella geraniums (also called Citrosa geraniums) that come as two young plants in 4-inch pots, each 4 to 8 inches tall. They are non-GMO and ready to grow into large, bushy shrubs that can reach up to 4 feet high and wide.

The standout quality of these plants is their natural lemony scent. When you brush against the leaves or cut a stem, they release a pleasant citronella aroma that many people find effective at keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay. This makes them ideal for planting near high-traffic outdoor areas like patios, decks, play areas, or garden borders. They also produce a few small pink-purple flowers during the season, adding a touch of color to your landscape.

In terms of care, these plants are fairly low-maintenance. They prefer full sun to partial shade and moderate watering, and they grow well in sandy soil. They can handle a range of conditions, from dry spells to humid weather, as long as they get enough light. Many reviewers noted that the plants arrived well-packaged and in good condition, though a few mentioned that some leaves were yellow or damaged from shipping. The included quick-start guide helps with acclimating them to their new home.

One honest drawback is that not every plant may survive the journey. A few reviewers reported that one of the two plants did not make it, especially if the box was delayed or crushed. The company does offer a satisfaction guarantee, so it is worth reaching out if you have issues. Also, the scent is most noticeable when the leaves are disturbed, so it works best in breezy areas or when you brush against them while walking by.

Overall, these citronella plants are a solid choice for gardeners who want a natural, chemical-free way to help repel mosquitoes while adding beauty to their yard. They are easy to grow, look great, and offer a pleasant scent that you and your guests will enjoy. Just be prepared to give them a little TLC after shipping and plant them in a sunny spot for the best results.

SoilSunrise delivers a practical and aromatic solution for outdoor spaces with its Live Citronella Geranium Plants (4-Pack). These pelargoniums are valued for their natural citrus scent and reputed ability to repel mosquitoes, making them a popular choice for patios, decks, and garden borders. Each plant arrives potted in nursery soil, ready to be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground.

The standout feature is the fragrance. When you brush the leaves, a fresh lemony aroma fills the air, which many gardeners associate with mosquito deterrence. While not as potent as chemical repellents, the scent does help create an environment that mosquitoes find less inviting. The plants themselves are robust, growing upright to about 24 inches tall with a bushy habit 12-18 inches wide. They thrive in full sun with moderate watering, and as a plus, they are deer resistant and drought tolerant once established.

Design and build quality are typical for nursery plants: healthy green foliage in standard plastic pots. The included care guide offers clear instructions on transplanting, watering, and overwintering. In USDA zones 10-11, these are perennial, but in cooler areas you will need to bring them indoors before frost. They can be kept as houseplants near a sunny window, though they may become leggy without enough light.

A potential drawback is that the mosquito repellent effect is mild; these plants work best as part of a broader pest management strategy. Also, the 3.8-star rating (based on no reviews) suggests some customers may have had mixed experiences, possibly due to shipping stress or care challenges. However, with proper handling and sunlight, these plants generally perform well.

Overall, the SoilSunrise Citronella Geranium Plants are a solid choice for anyone wanting a natural, low-maintenance way to add fragrance and greenery to their outdoor space. They are especially suited for container gardening on patios or near seating areas where you can enjoy the scent. While not a miracle mosquito solution, they offer simple beauty and a touch of natural pest control.

Brand: SoilSunrise
Model: SSKIT141
Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Type: Sandy Soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering
Special Feature: Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Pest Resistant
Expected Blooming Period: Summer
Plant Height: Up to 24 inches (60 cm)
Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Unit Count: 4 plants
Item Weight: 3.3 pounds
Product Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 10 inches
Perennial Zones: 10-11 (overwinter indoors in colder zones)
Included: Care Guide

The Pest Defense 6 Pack from SurvivalGardenSeeds is a thoughtfully curated set of heirloom seeds designed to help you manage garden pests naturally. It includes catnip, marigold, hyssop, basil, lavender, and petunia - six plants known for their pest-repelling and pollinator-attracting properties. This pack is perfect for organic gardeners, beginners, or anyone looking to reduce chemical use in their outdoor or indoor spaces.

What sets this collection apart is the careful selection of varieties that work together. Catnip repels mosquitoes and aphids, marigold deters cabbage moths and hornworms, and lavender keeps flies and ticks at bay. Meanwhile, basil and petunia add beauty and fragrance while supporting bees and butterflies. The seeds are heirloom, non-GMO, and open-pollinated, which means you can save seeds from your harvest for future planting - a big plus for sustainability-minded growers.

In terms of quality, SurvivalGardenSeeds is a family-owned US business that tests each batch for germination. The seed packets come with clear instructions, making it easy to start indoors or direct sow. The expected bloom period runs from spring to fall, giving you months of pest protection and visual appeal. The plants are low maintenance and thrive in full sun with moderate watering, suitable for USDA zones 4-9.

One honest drawback is that not every seed type germinates at the same speed. Lavender, for instance, can be slow and may need cold stratification for best results. Also, while these plants help deter pests, they are not a silver bullet - severe infestations may still require additional measures. But for most home gardens, this mix provides a solid, chemical-free foundation.

Overall, the Pest Defense 6 Pack is a smart investment for anyone wanting to grow a more resilient garden. It combines practicality with beauty, and the heirloom quality adds long-term value. If you're looking for an easy, natural way to protect your plants while supporting pollinators, this seed collection is an excellent choice.

Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Indoor, Outdoor

Brand: SURVIVAL GARDEN SEEDS

Material Feature: GMO Free, Heirloom

Color: Multicolor

Special Feature: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, High Germination Rate, Low Maintenance, Pest Resistant

Expected Blooming Period: Spring to Fall

Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun

Unit Count: 6.0 Count

Expected Planting Period: Spring to Summer

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Expected Plant Height: 18 Inches

Soil Type: Loam Soil

Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering

Number of Pieces: 6

Seed Treatment Method: Untreated

Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 0.24 inches

Item Weight: 0.704 ounces

Manufacturer: JD Hardware LLC

ASIN: B0F3P619T2

The Sow Right Seeds Insect & Pest Repellent Seed Collection is a thoughtfully curated set of five herb and flower varieties designed to help gardeners naturally deter unwanted insects. The collection includes Lavender, Catnip, Crackerjack Marigold, Hyssop, and Lemon Grass, each known for its pest-repelling properties. This product is perfect for anyone looking to reduce chemical use in their garden while still keeping mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and aphids at bay.

Each seed packet is clearly labeled with the plant name and growing instructions. The seeds are non-GMO and heirloom, so you can save seeds from year to year. The collection offers versatility: you can plant them as companion plants in your vegetable garden to protect crops, or grow them in containers on a deck or porch for a natural barrier. The germination rate is reported to be high, and the company offers a satisfaction guarantee if the seeds don't sprout.

In terms of design, the packets are compact (3.5 by 5.5 inches) and easy to store. The seeds themselves are standard size and simple to sow. One thing to note is that while these plants are famous for repelling pests, their effectiveness can depend on how densely you plant them and the specific pests in your area. For example, lemon grass is best in warm climates, but can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.

A potential drawback is that the product currently has no customer reviews, so firsthand accounts of success are not available. However, the combination of these well-known companion plants is backed by traditional gardening wisdom. Also, patience is required: seeds take time to grow to a size where they can effectively repel insects.

Overall, the Sow Right Seeds Insect & Pest Repellent Seed Collection is a solid, affordable choice for gardeners committed to organic methods. It offers a diverse range of plants that not only protect your outdoor space but also add beauty and fragrance. If you're willing to put in a little time to grow them from seed, this is a smart investment in a chemical-free pest control strategy.

This pack of five live lemongrass plants is a smart buy for anyone who wants a functional, fragrant, and easy-to-grow herb. The stalks come with intact roots and stand 6 to 8 inches tall, giving you a head start over seeds. They're ready to go into a pot, garden bed, or directly in the ground. This plant is ideal for home cooks who enjoy Asian cuisine, tea lovers, and anyone looking to naturally discourage mosquitoes from patios or entryways.

The standout feature is its versatility. The lemongrass releases a strong citrus scent when brushed against, which helps repel mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. The stalks are edible and can be chopped for curries, soups, and teas. The plants themselves grow quickly, forming lush clumps of arching green blades. In containers they stay compact, but in the ground they can reach 3 to 5 feet tall, adding a tropical look to your landscape.

Design and build quality are solid for a live plant product. The bare-root packaging keeps the plants hydrated during shipping, and the roots look healthy. You get five separate plants, which is good for filling space or experimenting with different locations. The plants are low maintenance once established, tolerating some drought and recovering well from trimming. They also resist pests naturally.

However, there are a few honest drawbacks. The plants are small when they arrive, so don't expect instant height. They need full sun and regular watering until they settle in. If you live in a zone colder than 8, you'll need to bring them indoors before frost. Also, with only three reviews so far, the sample size for feedback is small.

Overall, this lemongrass 5-pack offers excellent value for the price. It's a beginner-friendly, multipurpose plant that delivers on fragrance, flavor, and function. If you want a low-effort herb that pulls its weight, this is a great choice.

Sow Right Seeds Wormwood is a straightforward, no-fuss seed packet that delivers exactly what you expect: viable, non-GMO heirloom seeds with clear instructions. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a classic medicinal herb known for its bitter compounds and natural pest-repelling properties. This variety grows into a bushy plant reaching 3-4 feet tall, making it a great addition to herb gardens, borders, or containers. The packet includes enough seeds to start a small patch or share with friends, and the company's commitment to sustainable practices adds extra appeal.

Real-world performance is strong based on customer feedback. Most reviewers report near-perfect germination, with some even getting 12 plants from a single packet. The seeds sprout reliably in about two to three weeks when soil temps are warm, and the young transplants handle moving to the garden well. Gardeners especially appreciate how wormwood helps keep away mosquitoes, deer, and other unwanted visitors without harsh chemicals. The plant is also versatile in the kitchen or apothecary, with leaves used fresh or dried for teas, tinctures, and extracts.

Design and build quality are simple but effective. Each packet measures 3.5 by 5.5 inches and contains 200 mg of seeds, which is plenty for most home gardens. The instructions are printed on the back, covering depth, spacing, and sunlight needs. Sow Right Seeds operates on solar power and has taken the Safe Seed Pledge, so you can feel good about your purchase. The only real design shortcoming is that the seeds are tiny, which can be challenging for gardeners with shaky hands, but the high germination rate compensates for the fiddly sowing.

As for drawbacks, the biggest is patience: wormwood takes two seasons to reach full maturity, so you won't see the full plant size or maximum pest-repelling power in the first year. A few customers also reported zero germination, though the company offers a replacement guarantee if that happens. Some might find the bitter flavor too strong for culinary use, but that's a matter of taste. Overall, the pros easily outweigh the cons for anyone interested in natural gardening or herbal remedies.

Verdict: Sow Right Seeds Wormwood is a dependable, well-priced seed packet that performs as advertised. It's ideal for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, beneficial herb that doubles as a natural mosquito repellent. The high germination rate and sustainable pedigree make it a smart buy for both beginners and seasoned growers.

The Tactiko Garden Aromatic Herb Seed Kit offers a fresh, natural approach to managing mosquitoes around your outdoor living spaces. Instead of relying on chemical sprays or citronella candles, this kit encourages you to grow your own mosquito-repelling plants. It includes six varieties known for their strong scents: Lavender, Lemongrass, Marigold, Catnip, Lemon Balm, and Basil. The kit is designed for patios, decks, and gardens, making it an attractive option for anyone who wants a chemical-free mosquito deterrent.

The standout feature is the multi-scent strategy. By planting a mix of these herbs, you create a complex olfactory barrier that confuses mosquitoes more effectively than a single plant. Another clever detail is the touch-activated release: brushing the leaves releases essential oils into the air, giving an immediate boost to the scent perimeter. The seeds come in a resealable Mylar bag that protects them from light and humidity, ensuring they stay viable for months or even years. Real-world reviews confirm high germination rates and good plant growth, with many users praising the pleasant fragrances and the sense of accomplishment from growing their own repellent.

The kit includes six compressed coir soil discs that expand when hydrated, along with straightforward instructions. This makes it beginner-friendly, though one reviewer noted that the disc can break if over-soaked. The packaging is compact and well-organized, with each seed packet clearly labeled. A minor drawback mentioned in reviews is that some packets had mismatched pictures and text, so you may want to verify the contents before planting. Additionally, the seed quantity is sufficient for the included discs but may feel limited if you plan to fill a large garden bed.

Overall, the Tactiko Garden Aromatic Herb Seed Kit delivers on its promise of a natural, sustainable mosquito deterrent. It's not a magic bullet: effectiveness depends on placement and local mosquito pressure. For smaller patios or seating areas, it offers a charming and functional solution. At its price point, it provides good value for a complete starter kit. I'd recommend it for gardeners who enjoy growing their own pest control and want an eco-friendly alternative to chemical products.