Nothing puts a damper on an otherwise enjoyable outdoor event quite like an unexpected swarm of biting mosquitoes. While a good dose of bug spray and some outdoor candles are usually the best defense against these troublesome pests, not everyone wants to smell like deet and citronella on their wedding day. Luckily, there are some much sweeter-smelling options available to help keep bugs at bay, and they are only one trip to the garden center away!
1. Lavender
Lavender is a popular and instantly-recognizable perennial known for its tiny purple blooms, aromatic scent, and calming herbal qualities. This plant is a pollinator favorite, but the same strong aroma that draws in butterflies is utterly repulsive to biting insects like mosquitos and flies, making it an excellent pest deterrent. It can be planted in a sunny spot after the last spring frost for late spring blooms that last through the summer, and it makes an excellent cut flower to add to DIY bouquets and flower arrangements. The dried petals also make an excellent choice for a sweet-smelling and eco-friendly send off tosser.
2. Mints
Mint plants are well-loved herbs that have infinite culinary uses and are notoriously easy to grow. Just like lavender, the strong scent given off by mint is quite pleasant to the human nose but downright confusing to a scent-driven mosquito. Mint plants, especially pennyroyal, catnip, and bee balm varieties, have been shown to effectively mask both body odor and CO2 signatures that mosquitoes rely on to find you. Mint is best planted in the spring in a partially-shaded spot, preferably in a container or isolated plot as it is known for its aggressive spread. It should reward you with delicate blooms from late spring to early fall before dying back for the winter and returning the next spring. Mint is wonderful for adding a sweet scent to your backyard event and can even double as an ingredient or garnish to several of the dishes and drinks you serve your guests.
3. Allium
Allium, also known as ornamental onion, creates delightful puffballs of tiny flowers on long, straight stems. Being a close relative to the onions and garlics we buy from the store, allium has a distinct “oniony” smell, though not as strong as its culinary cousins. More importantly, allium puts out a sulfur compound that is imperceptible to humans but utterly repulsive to mosquitoes, making it excellent and masking your scent and driving pests away. Allium bulbs can be planted while dormant in the fall or early spring in a sunny spot, and by late spring or early summer their impressive floral pompoms should be on full display. These plants make a showy addition to a backyard garden, but are also stunning in bouquets, floral arrangements, and centerpieces.
4. Marigolds
Marigolds are the tried and true garden guardians that are known for repelling a number of common pests. Coupled with its beautiful blooms and sweet smell, marigold is a must-plant for a backyard garden event. Marigold is easy to find at any garden center throughout the spring, and it quickly puts out blooms that last all the way to the first frost. This sun-loving annual comes in several different varieties ranging in color from buttery cream to almost red and sporting blooms that range from stunning signets to frilly clusters, so you can plant several varieties for a dramatically different look while retaining the same pest-repelling effects. Some varieties also sport long stems that make them great for use as cut flowers in bouquets.
5. Floss Flower
Floss flower, also known as ageratum, produces clusters of pale bluish-purple flowers with delicate, floss-like petals. This dainty flower has only a subtle sweet scent, but it still packs quite the repellent punch due to its natural secretion of coumarin, a compound used in commercial bug repellents. Floss flower is a full-sun annual that is best planted in the spring for early-summer blooms that last through the first frost. These little plants make excellent garden borders, and they are an absolute favorite for adding a pop of color to a wildflower bouquet.
6. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a fall favorite due to their impressive display of late-season blooms, but they are also excellent at mosquito control. Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins which act as neurotoxins to mosquitoes, effectively keeping them at bay. While often grown as annuals, chrysanthemums can be grown as perennials with special care. Chrysanthemums are happy to be planted in the ground or in sunny containers in the spring, and they put out blooms in two waves, first in the spring and second in the fall. These dense domes of flowers make for impressive displays that are sure to garner attention at your backyard event, while silently protecting your guests in the background.