We’ve added a permaculture pack in our store that contains plants that are low maintenance and require very little water. They provide many benefits in repelling unwanted insects such as mosquitoes, while attracting beneficial insects such as dragonflies. These plants work great in landscape beds or containers. Perfect for your outdoor seating and entertainment areas!  

The following plants attract many beneficial insects, but more importantly, they attract dragonflies, which can consume hundreds of mosquitos in a single day. 

Black-Eyed Susan – great food source for beneficial insects and variety of birds 

Joe-Pye Weed – attracts many beneficial insects and provides shelter/cover for songbirds 

Meadow Sage/Salvia – aromatic/resinous foliage helps detract deer and rabbits; great pollinator attractant

Yarrow – when used as mulch material or added to compost, it can bring potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper to the surface, which improves the soil quality for other plants 

Insect Repellent Plants/Pollinator Attractants

Bee Balm – naturally releases a scent that repels mosquitos without crushing the leaves  

Lavender – acts as a fragrant and natural insect repellent when rubbed onto your skin 

Citronella – grown as an annual in our zone; quickly grows to 2 ft high and 2 ft. wide with pink flowers. A drought tolerant type of geranium that is very effective in repelling mosquitos due to the oil inside the leaves and its lemon scent (this annual may not be available all year)

Mint – contains menthol, a biocidal ingredient that repels many insects 

Rosemary – has a woody fragrance that repels flies and mosquitoes (bonus: adding sprigs to a bonfire or while grilling will release more of the fragrant oil to help deter mosquitos) 

Basil – contains compounds that disrupt insects’ ability to find their meals, thus deterring them from entering the areas where they grow (this annual may not be available all year)