It is a constant struggle in a garden to deal with the pests that enjoy the flowers and herbs planted for them.  You also may have noticed that it is a common issue that all gardeners have to deal with.  In this blog post, I  will review 30 flowers and herbs that naturally repel pests in your garden and add beauty to your landscape.

Did you know there are natural, chemical-free ways to keep these pests away?

Planting certain flowers and herbs in your garden can create a natural barrier that repels pests and keeps your plants healthy and thriving. Many on this list are great for companion planting in the vegetable garden.

For the last couple of years, I have been adding more flowers and herbs to help me fight against a variety of pests that destroy my vegetables. I do not want to use any harmful chemicals on my fruits and vegetables, if I can avoid it.

This is not only for me and my family, the environment, but for my honeybees that help pollinate my garden.  I enjoy watching our honeybees doing their job, pollinating the garden and collecting pollen to make honey.  Keeping bees for me has been a long, hard struggle, and I have much more to learn.   I need to keep them alive and healthy without having harmful chemicals in my garden. 

If you do not have a vegetable garden, I imagine you still may have to deal with many pests in your home and outdoor space. Flowers and herbs can repel mosquitos, gnats, flies, and ants.

Let’s review 30 flowers and herbs that repel pests

1. Marigolds

These vibrant flowers add a pop of color to your garden and repel aphids, mosquitoes, and even rabbits. Marigolds can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11. They need well-draining soil to prevent root rot and love full sun for many blooms.

2. Lavender

Ahh, the smell of lavender! It is known for its calming scent. Lavender is also great for keeping away fleas, moths, and flies. It is also one of the best-smelling insect-repelling plants. Many varieties allow lavender to be grown in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11. Avoid overwatering lavender and plant it in well-drained soil. It needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for best growth.

Here are some lavender recipes you might enjoy:

• Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup
  
• Lavender Frozen Custard Ice Cream Recipe
  
• Lavender Limoncello Spritz Cocktail
  

3. Chrysanthemums

These colorful flowers contain a natural insecticide that repels a wide range of pests, such as ants, roaches, and ticks. Chrysanthemums grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and good air circulation, which is also important to prevent diseases. 

4. Basil

I love fresh basil for its wonderful smell and because it adds flavor to so many dishes. Basil is not only one of the best mosquito repellent plants, but also repels flies. It does not like to be cold, so it must be planted after any danger of frost, preferably above 50 degrees. Basil grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-10 and loves 6-8 hours of sun. In extremely hot climates, it does best in afternoon shade.

The best part is that basil not only help off mosquitos and flies but is also is so good in many recipes! Give these recipes a try:

• Best Walnut Pesto
  
• Basil Garlic Scape Pesto
  

5. Mint

Planting mint around your garden can help keep ants, rodents, and even cabbage moths away.  It does great in partial to full sun in zones 3-11. Mint spreads fast and can be invasive if not properly contained. It is a great plant for pots and other containers. If you are interested in propagating mint, read my post – Propagating Mint – A Simple Guide for Beginners.

6. Rosemary

Rosemary is another favorite of mine. This versatile herb repels mosquitoes, carrot flies, and cabbage moths. Rosemary is winter hardy in zones 7-10, but zones 6 and under will need winter protection by heavy mulching or bringing indoors in containers. Rosemary needs 6-8 hours of sun and is drought tolerant after the plant is well established.

7. Nasturtiums

I enjoy growing nasturtiums in the garden. Not only are they pretty, but they are also edible, making them great to add to salads, etc. These vibrant flowers attract beneficial insects and repel aphids, beetles, and whiteflies. They can take a little shade but do best in full sun. They are USDA hardiness zones 2-11 after frost.

8. Petunias

Planting petunias in your garden can help prevent aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. Petunias are annuals that need frequent watering.

9. Dill

Dill is another garden favorite that has culinary and medicinal uses. This herb is great for repelling aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers. Dill needs 6-8 hours of sunlight and will need to be watered frequently.

10. Thyme

This herb is known for repelling whiteflies, cabbage worms, and corn earworms. Thyme is hardy in zones 4-9 and prefers sun but can tolerate some shade.

11. Geraniums

These beautiful, colorful flowers repel Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, and midges. They like mostly sunny locations but can take a little shade. In zones 3-7, they are considered annuals, and in zones 8-11, they can be grown as perennials.

12. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a natural insect repellent. This fragrant herb is great for keeping away mosquitoes and other flying insects. Lemongrass likes 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. In zones 7 and under, lemongrass is considered an annual. In zone 8, it can grow with winter protection, and in zones 9-11, it can be grown as a perennial.

13. Sage

Known for its strong scent, sage can help repel cabbage moths, carrot flies, and flea beetles. Sage needs full sun to thrive. In zones 4 and under it can be wintered over if brought indoors. Zone 5-9 sage is considered an annual.

14. Oregano

This flavorful herb is known to deter a wide range of pests, including aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites.   Like most herbs in a herb garden, plant oregano in sunny areas of the garden since it likes 6-8 hours of full sun. Oregano is a perennial in zones 5 and above and can be wintered over in zone 4 and under in containers indoors.

15. Garlic

Planting garlic in your garden can help keep away aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.  Hardneck garlic varieties grow in zone 3-8.  Softneck garlic grows in 8-10.  To learn more about growing garlic. Read my blog post on How to Grow the Best and Largest Garlic and Determine the Perfect Time to Harvest Garlic.

Here are some tasty garlic recipes you might enjoy:

• Garlic Scape Vinaigrette Dressing
  
• Garlic Scape Hummus
  
• How to Make Garlic Scape Pesto
  

16. Alliums

These flowers add a beautiful touch to your garden and repel slugs, snails, and cabbage worms. There are edible alliums (onions, garlic, and leeks) and ornamental alliums, and there are many varieties with varying hardiness from zones 3-9. Alliums require full sun for 6-8 hours.

17. Catnip

This herb is known for repelling mosquitoes, ants, and cockroaches. Catnip is fun for cats that enjoy its effects. It is hardy in zones 3-9 and grows well in full sun to partial shade.

18. Fennel

Planting fennel can help deter pests such as aphids, slugs, and snails. With winter mulching, it can be grown as an annual plant in zones 4-5. Otherwise, it is a perennial in zones 6-9.

19. Tansy

This flower is great for deterring Japanese beetles, flies, and ants. Tansy likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is hardy in zones 3-9.

20. Yarrow

Known for its medicinal properties and beautiful flowers.  Yarrow is great for keeping mosquitoes, whiteflies, and squash bugs away and is hardy in zones 3-9.

21. Chives

This fragrant herb adds flavor to your dishes and repels aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles. Chive flowers are also edible. This hardy herb is great for zones 3-9.

22. Calendula

These bright flowers deter pests such as cabbage moths, tomato hornworms, and leafhoppers. Calendula thrives in a variety of climates from zones 2-11.

23. Chamomile

Planting chamomile can help keep away cabbage worms, carrot flies, and thrips. Chamomile flowers can make soothing teas, tinctures, or infused oils. They are also great for adding to herbal remedies and skincare products. Chamomile can be grown in zones 3-9. German chamomile is an annual, and Roman chamomile is a perennial.

24. Daffodils

These beautiful flowers bloom in the spring and repel pests like voles, moles, and deer. Daffodils are bulbs planted in the fall and grow in zones 3-9.

25. Lemon balm

This culinary herb is a member of the mint family and is great for deterring pests such as mosquitoes, gnats, and aphids. Lemon balm thrives in zones 4-9.

26. Lemon thyme

Like lemon balm, this herb has a strong scent that can repel pests like ants, flies, and fleas. It is excellent for culinary and aromatherapy uses and is hardy in zones 4-9.

27. Parsley

This flavorful herb is known for keeping away carrot flies, tomato hornworms, and asparagus beetles. It grows well in full sun but can tolerate partial shade and is found in zones 4-9.

28. Sunflowers

These iconic flowers add beauty to your garden, attract beneficial insects, and deter pests like slugs and snails.

29. Borage

These blue flowers attract pollinators and repel tomato hornworms, cabbage loopers, and squash bugs.  Borage is an annual that grows well in zone 3-10.

30. Citronella

Last but not least on this list is citronella, a natural mosquito repellent.  Citronella oil is added to many outdoor candles and sprays since its essential oils deter insects.  Citronella is an aromatic plant popular in landscaping, but the leaves can also be used in teas and cooking.

Final Thoughts

There, you have 30 flowers and herbs that repel pests. While these plants are natural deterrents for the pests listed, they do need to be monitored for insects they may attract to ensure that they do not cause unwanted issues in your landscape or garden. This list is a starting point, and there are additional plants that also repel these pesky bugs.

These 30 flowers and herbs are great additions to your vegetable garden as companion plants and all outdoor areas.  They not only add beauty but also help protect your plants from a variety of insects naturally. Adding these pest-repelling plants can reduce the need for harmful chemicals while promoting a healthy environment for your plants and beneficial insects. So, next time you plan your garden layout, consider adding one or more of these 30 flowers and herbs that repel pests to keep unwanted visitors at bay!

A diverse garden does more than look pretty — certain flowers and herbs naturally repel pests, reduce plant stress, and help create the healthier growing conditions that make powdery mildew less likely to take hold.

These plants work even better when you understand what’s already eating your garden. 7 Common Garden Pests and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally is a good place to start.

And if you want to bring in the good guys — bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects — How to Attract Backyard Pollinators to Your Garden pairs perfectly with this post.

More blog posts you might enjoy.

• Propagating Mint – A Simple Guide For Beginners
• Ten Gardening Secrets To Success
• Starting Seeds Indoors – An Easy Guide For Success

For more natural pest control and garden growing guides, browse the Garden Problems & Fixes hub.

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