Rosemary is one of numerous naturally repellent plants.
Repellent plants naturally ward off insects and other animals, making them a welcome addition to yards and landscapes. Some repellent plants are offensive to numerous pests, while others only ward off one or two specific species of insects or animals. Gardening and landscaping using these natural repellents often negates the use of pesticides and other chemical repellents in a natural garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal is native to Europe and is an aromatic member of the same family of plants as mint. Pennyroyal is a ground cover plant with ovate leaves and small purple flowers. Pennyroyal boasts repellent properties for ticks, ants and aphids, though it may ward off other insects as well.
Garlic
Garlic is a culinary herb with a strong scent. The herb is well-used in culinary circles, though it is also effective in warding off several different species of insects. Garlic is a natural repellent for mosquitoes, ticks, mites, aphids, plum curculios and Japanese beetles. Garlic cloves are just as effective as the plant itself in warding off unwanted insects.
Catnip
Catnip, as with pennyroyal, is also a member of the mint family. This plant can grow to 3 feet in height when it receives enough sun. It is a perennial plant with lavender- or white-colored blooms. Catnip contains an element called nepetalactone, which has repellent properties. Its primary use is to ward off mosquitoes, though it is also effective at warding off cabbage maggots and cabbage moths.
Marigolds
There are several different species of marigolds, most of which have insect-repellent properties. The peculiar smell that marigolds are known for is what contributes to the plant's ability to repel several different species of insects. Among the insects repelled by marigold flowers are mosquitoes, Mexican bean beetles, whiteflies, eelworms, tomato hornworms and nematodes. Mexican marigolds, which feature bright-yellow flowers, are effective at repelling ticks.
Citronella
Citronella is well-known for its mosquito-repelling capabilities. It carries the nickname "mosquito plant" for this reason. Citronella can grow to a height of 2 feet and is an annual bloomer with lavender-colored flowers. Citronella is grown both indoors and out to ward off mosquitoes throughout the year. This plant is also regarded for its cat-repelling capabilities.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a large shrub, growing to between 4 feet and 5 feet tall. It is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub with small gray-blue flowers. Rosemary has culinary uses and is also effective at repelling ticks and mosquitoes, along with a variety of other insects. Rosemary will effectively repel Mexican bean beetles, carrot flies, cabbage moths, cabbage maggots, snails and slugs.
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