The 7 Mosquito-Repellent Plants to Absolutely Plant Now to Enjoy Summer in Peace

Every summer, it’s the same story. We set up lounge chairs, pour glasses of rosé, and play our chill playlist… and just like that, the wasps and mosquitoes show up as if they received an invite via WhatsApp. This year, I’ve decided to fight back—vegetable style. No pesticides, no ugly gadgets, just plants. And spoiler alert: it works. Here are the ones that saved my summer gatherings.

1. Citronella – The Undisputed Champion

Yes, it’s a classic. But if everyone talks about it, it’s because it does the job. The real one: Cymbopogon citratus. It releases a lemony scent that mosquitoes hate (but I adore). Potted on the windowsill or planted in the garden, it creates a natural no-bite zone.

Bonus: You can use it in infusions or Thai dishes. Effective AND useful.

2. Lavender – Chic, Rustic, and Repellent

It smells great, attracts bees, and repels mosquitoes. Honestly, what more could you want? Whether at the edge of a terrace or in a planter, it creates a stylish olfactory barrier. Its secret? Linalool, a molecule that disrupts the mosquito’s nervous system.

Grandma’s tip: You can even place dried lavender sachets under your pillow for a night free of buzzing.

3. Basil – For Mosquitoes and Tomatoes

It flavors summer dishes AND drives away mosquitoes. In the “two-in-one plant” series, basil is a true MVP. Some varieties, like lemon basil, are even more effective, thanks to their high concentration of repellent essential oils.

My personal favorite: Purple basil—it’s gorgeous and smells as strong as it looks.

4. Peppermint – Freshness and Effectiveness

It grows fast (sometimes too fast), refreshes the air, and mosquitoes can’t stand it. Peppermint contains menthol, a compound that disrupts their olfactory sensors. Kind of like a signal: “move along, there’s nothing to bite.”

Just a heads up: Plant it in a pot; otherwise, it will take over everything.

5. Lemon Balm – The Happy Plant

A small plant with a lemony scent, often confused with citronella. Lemon balm is sweet, pleasant to have around, easy to grow…and yet formidable in keeping mosquitoes away. It loves the sun but can tolerate shade: a versatile ally.

And as an infusion? It calms nerves AND eases bites.

6. Fragrant Geranium – More than Just a Balcony Décor

Don’t confuse it with the regular geranium. The fragrant geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)—also known as “lemon geranium”—emits a scent that drives mosquitoes away just as effectively as a chemical spray, but in a more elegant way.

My décor tip: Mix it with edible flowers like nasturtiums for a “bohemian garden that smells good” effect.

7. Rosemary – The Aromatic That Won’t Get Bitten

It’s like the chameleon of the garden. Used in cooking, infusions, hair care… and surprise: mosquitoes frown at it. It loves sunlight, requires almost no maintenance, and can even be used for light fumigation to keep insects at bay.

A little rosemary fire on the barbecue? They flee, and we savor.

Bonus: The Art of Placement

It’s not just a matter of planting randomly. For it to truly work:

• Gather several varieties around the areas you want to protect (terrace, lounge chair, sacred hammock).
• Choose terracotta or wooden pots to avoid water stagnation (and larvae).
• Water early in the morning, never in the evening—the mosquitoes love humidity.

What If We Finally Had a Peaceful Summer?

There’s no need to live in a tropical greenhouse to keep mosquitoes away with style. A few well-chosen plants, a bit of organization, and the atmosphere changes completely. Less buzzing, more relaxation. What if we turned our garden into a mosquito-free zone… with flair?