How to entertain with mosquito repelling plants

Today I am sharing how to entertain with mosquito repelling plants, a topic I knew nothing about. I absolutely love the idea of using an organic method, such as plants, to repel those nasty little bugs. Updated 2020. 

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Mosquito Repelling Plants and Flowers

Lemon Grass / Citronella plants / Geraniums / Catnip

Some of you may know that we starting camping a few years back and needless to say, mosquitos are more prevalent in the woods and on the water. Filling a group of planters with mosquito repelling plants is a must on our deck at the camp.

Not only do they make the deck look pretty, they help keep the bugs away.

Here is a picture of our deck featuring geraniums and lemon grass.

Mosquito Repelling Plants

Of course you can spray the area prior which I have been known to do but I usually end up covering my furniture with a film of smelly bug spray that only lasts for an hour or so. I recently have read a bunch of outdoor entertaining articles and learned that certain outdoor potted plants repel mosquitos.

Did you know that? I did not.

Whether you are using Geraniums, a catnip plant or a lemongrass to repel mosquitos, you will most certainly create an eclectic look of pretty flowers for your space.

Here is an example of an outdoor space on our porch below (at our old house) and the addition of beautiful potted plants that are not only pretty but repel mosquitos is a welcomed concept.

I especially love that a pot of beautiful geraniums repels mosquitos.

Related: Don’t miss our 9 Herb Garden container ideas 

When we entertain outdoors, I always have mosquito nets handy to protect the food as well as scented candles that supposedly keep the mosquitos away.

Many of the mosquito repelling plants are lush, full and even smell good.

I remember as a kid, my gram always had pots full of red geraniums. They thrive in the sun, repel mosquitos and look gorgeous.

These are my favorite affordable planters that you can shop by clicking the image or text link below. Walmart is having a great sale!

Updated May 2020, our firepit which we love just got marked down at Walmart this week and you can get it delivered! It’s super affordable and perfect for your patio or deck. 

Cape Cod Planter

Tiered Plant Stand 

Set of 3 (on sale!!) display racks 

White Chippendale Planter 

Ceramic Planters

What plants are good to keep mosquitoes away?

I had no idea that a cascading geranium was considered a mosquito repelling plant.

Did you know Citronella, or West Indian lemongrass, is a tall plant and the source for citronella oil?

Catnip is said to be 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.

The cascading geraniums would be a perfect addition to our poolside lounging area below as geraniums thrive in full sun.

Related: New Summer Patio Oasis Reveal 

Does anyone have any other tips on how they repel mosquitos? Please share your tips below and add images, I would love to see your ideas.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for shopping.