If you’re thinking of giving your garden or planting beds a makeover, why not add in some mosquito control while you’re at it? Adding any of the following plants to your yard can help repel those annoying mosquitoes – arguably the worst part about summer in Michigan.
Mosquito-Repelling Flowers For Michigan Gardens
It just so happens that many of the plants mosquitoes can’t stand are incredibly pleasant for us humans. And many of them are herbs we can use in the kitchen, to boot! 
Catnip
If you’ve got a cat, you’ve probably seen how obsessed kitties can be over this humble plant. As it turns out, mosquitoes can’t stand it! It typically blooms from late April through September, depending on which cultivar you choose. If you want, you can dry out some clippings and break them up into small pieces that are easily spreadable on your deck, patio, or poolside. Expect it to reach about 3 – 4 feet in height, and it will need plenty of direct sun and rich, well-drained soil. Flowers produced can be either white or a lavender color.
Marigold
This favorite annual will provide your yard with a splash of color and repel mosquitoes at the same time! Unfortunately, this plant is an annual, which means it doesn’t regenerate on its own. If you want this in your garden, we’ll include it as part of your annual flower installation. But that being said, it’s well worth it. Their pungent aroma keeps biting mosquitoes away! Marigold prefers a neutral pH level in your soil and likes full or partial sun.
Mint
This popular, flavorful herb is also one of the best natural ways to repel mosquitoes. These hardy perennials like soil with good drainage, as it mimics their natural habitat: the banks of streams. Mint grows about 1 – 2 feet tall and is a pernicious ground cover, so don’t be afraid to trim it back if you need to. It also does well in pots if you’d like to contain it.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular scents across the globe. You can trim the iconic purple flowers and save the buds for aromatherapy, soap, or a home décor item! And while they’re growing, they’ll help keep mosquitoes away. Depending on which kind you choose, you can expect the plant to be about 1 – 2 feet high and just as wide. They like lots of sun and require minimal watering – perfect for low-maintenance gardens. It also is highly attractive to butterflies, so growing this can help the local pollinator population.
Rosemary
Rosemary has long been known as a natural pest control plant. It likes to dry out between watering, so, like lavender, it is one of the lower-maintenance plants in your garden. Like many herbs, it prefers full sun and loamy soil that’s either neutral or slightly acidic. Expect an equal height and spread – about 4 feet – so be sure to give it room if you intend to have it a garden bed with other plants.
Lemongrass
The lovely fragrance of lemongrass will add a citrusy vibe to your garden. This plant is a favorite in Asian culinary traditions, and it just so happens that mosquitoes hate it. Expect it to grow about 2 to 4 feet in full sun and rich, loamy soil. This tropical plant needs plenty of heat and moisture, as it’s native to tropical regions, so consider growing it in a pot that you can bring inside when the cold weather arrives. Though it will tolerate drought, it prefers moist soil, so you’ll need to make sure to water it frequently as part of your landscape maintenance routine.
Basil
The main ingredient of pesto, basil is also one of the most hated plants as far as mosquitoes are concerned. It likes slightly acidic to neutral pH levels with full sun. Basil also produces flowers that come in a pink, purple, or white variety. You’ll get about 1 or 2 feet in height and should be spaced about a foot apart. 
Thyme
Another culinary favorite, thyme is best planted near high traffic areas where you can remember to crush a few leaves as you enter your outdoor space. The aroma will help keep mosquitoes away! Make sure to give your thyme some mulch in the spring to help replenish moisture lost from winter and only water it when the soil is completely dry. Thyme actually loves lots of sun and heat, which makes this a great choice for Michigan summers. It’s better to get thyme that’s already germinated, as growing it from seeds can be tricky. Plants usually get about a foot high and up to two feet wide. It doesn’t mind planters, however, so if you’d like to keep this herb growing all year long to use in the kitchen, you can opt for that as well.
Get Professional Landscape Design Near Westland
If you’re looking for some flowers with built-in mosquito-repelling properties, we can help with that! The PPM Landscape Contractors Inc. experts have over 10 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining landscape beds in Westland, MI. Our landscape design and build program will give you the yard of your dreams! Give us a call at (877) 454-8733, or leave us a message online to learn more!