15 Flowers That Naturally Keep Insects Away From Your Garden

Have you ever dreamed of a garden that’s not only beautiful but also works as nature’s pest control? The good news is that some flowers don’t just add color and fragrance to your space, they also repel unwanted bugs.

These blooms serve as nature’s way of protecting your garden, reducing the need for harmful chemicals. If you’re ready to embrace a greener, more sustainable approach, here are 15 incredible flowers that help keep insects at bay.

#1. Marigolds

Marigolds are a gardener’s favorite for their bright orange and yellow blooms, but their benefits go far beyond aesthetics. These flowers contain a compound called pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels pests like aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes.

Plant marigolds around your vegetable garden or near entryways to keep bugs away. Their strong scent is especially effective in deterring mosquitoes.

#2. Lavender

Known for its calming fragrance, lavender is also a powerful insect repellent. Its aromatic oils keep flies, moths, and mosquitoes at bay. Scientific studies have shown that linalool, a compound in lavender, is effective in repelling insects.

Plant it near seating areas or doorways for a fragrant and bug-free environment. Plus, dried lavender sachets work wonders indoors.

#3. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, or mums, are more than just pretty blooms, they’re packed with pyrethrum, a natural chemical that repels ants, roaches, ticks, fleas, and lice. This compound is even used in commercial insecticides.

Plant chrysanthemums around the garden border for a natural defense against pests.

#4. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are not only edible and colorful but also excellent at repelling aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. These flowers release a chemical into the air that acts as a natural insect deterrent.

Plant nasturtiums among your vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, to create a protective shield.

#5. Petunias

Petunias are often called “nature’s pesticide” because they repel a wide range of garden pests, including aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs. Their sticky leaves trap small insects, making them a natural solution for pest control.

Plant petunias in hanging baskets or garden beds near your most vulnerable crops.

#6. Calendula

Also known as pot marigold, calendula has vibrant orange or yellow blooms that repel mosquitoes and aphids. Its sticky resin traps insects like thrips and whiteflies, keeping them away from nearby plants.

Calendula thrives in garden borders and doubles as a medicinal herb for soothing skin irritations

#7. Sunflowers

Sunflowers not only add a cheerful touch to your garden but also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and bees, which prey on pests. Their tall, sturdy stems act as a decoy for aphids, drawing them away from more delicate plants.

Sunflowers create a natural balance in your garden’s ecosystem.

#8. Mint

When mint plants bloom, their small flowers release a strong scent that deters mosquitoes, ants, and flies. The menthol in mint acts as a natural repellent.

Be cautious, though, mint can spread rapidly, so it’s best grown in containers near outdoor seating areas.

#9. Geraniums

Geraniums, particularly scented varieties like citronella geraniums, are excellent at repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. Their citrus-like aroma is unpleasant to bugs but delightful to humans.

Place potted geraniums near patios or windows to enjoy their fragrance and protective benefits.

#10. Alliums

Alliums, part of the onion family, produce globe-shaped blooms that deter aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Their strong scent is a natural insect repellent.

Plant alliums among vegetables like broccoli and cabbage to protect them from pests while adding a touch of elegance to your garden.

#11. Zinnias

Zinnias attract predatory insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feed on aphids and whiteflies. Their bright, cheerful blooms serve as a natural pest management system by encouraging beneficial bugs to thrive.

Zinnias are easy to grow and make great companion plants for vegetables.

#12. Lantana

Lantana’s vibrant clusters of flowers are not only stunning but also effective at repelling mosquitoes. The plant’s leaves contain compounds that are toxic to mosquitoes, making it a great addition to outdoor spaces.

Grow lantana in sunny spots to enjoy its colorful blooms and insect-repelling properties.

#13. Dill

When dill plants bloom, their yellow flowers attract wasps and other predatory insects that feed on pests like caterpillars and aphids.

Dill is a perfect companion plant for tomatoes, peppers, and squash, offering both pest control and culinary benefits.

#14. Rosemary

Rosemary’s fragrant blue flowers repel mosquitoes, cabbage moths, and carrot flies. Its essential oils are natural insect deterrents, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens.

Rosemary thrives in sunny locations and doubles as a culinary herb, adding flavor to your meals while keeping bugs at bay.

#15. Catnip

Catnip isn’t just for cats, it’s also a powerful mosquito repellent.

Studies published in Journal of Medical Entomology show that nepetalactone, a compound in catnip, is more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. Its small purple flowers also attract pollinators, making it a win-win for your garden.