How to Grow Mosquito-Repellent Plants

The plant marketed as the citronella plant, or mosquito plant, is a member of the Pelergonium family. It has lemon-scented leaves and tiny purple flowers. Although its fragrance is pleasant, it has not been shown to repel mosquitoes. Cymbopogon nardus, a grass, is the plant from which citronella oil, marketed as a mosquito repellent, is obtained. Fine Gardening reports that Agastache cana, a member of the mint family, has been reputed to repel mosquitoes, and the oil from Nepata may also be a mosquito repellent. However, the plants by themselves will not discourage the insects. Crush the leaves to release the oil, or rub the leaves on your skin; doing so may cause the mosquitoes to stay away.

Small trowel
Water
Watering can

Instructions

- 1
  Plant Agastache cana (Texas hummingbird mint, Mosquito plant or Wild hyssop) into a sunny garden. It's a perennial and hardy to USDA hardiness zone 5. In colder areas, start new plants from seed in the spring or take cuttings and over winter them inside for next year. These plants tolerate drought and poor soils.
- 2
  Grow Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass) in full sun. It's hardy in zones 10 to 12. In colder areas, divide the clump and pot up smaller pieces to overwinter inside for next year.
- 3
  Establish Nepata c. (Catnip) in your garden with full sunlight. Extremely attractive to cats, you may have to compete with them to obtain this plant's leaves. Insert twigs or sticks into the plant to discourage the cats. Nepata is easily grown from seed every year, or whenever you need more plants. If cats are a huge problem, grow it in a pot and keep it inside away from the cats.
- 4
  Water plants when they're dry. It's better to water them deeply and less often to encourage deep roots. Deadhead catnip and hyssop after flowering.

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