Bite Back! Mosquito-Repellent Plants That Thrive in North Texas

Let us Beautify Your Yard and Keep Mosquitoes Away This Picnic Season!

July is National Picnic Month

What a perfect excuse to enjoy your yard, fire up the grill, and soak up the summer under our beautiful Texas sky. Help keep mosquitoes from crashing the party with an update to your garden! Certain plants not only enhance your landscape but also help to naturally repel mosquitoes. And it gets even better… Many of them grow exceptionally well in our North Texas climate. 

Here are some top mosquito-fighting plants to add to your landscape this season, ALL AVAILABLE NOW at Landscape Systems Garden Center!

Mosquito-Repelling Plants That Thrive in the Dallas Fort Worth Area’s Heat

1. Citronella (Pelargonium citrosum)

Often referred to as the “mosquito plant,” citronella is a type of scented geranium with pink-purple flowers and lemony foliage that mosquitos dislike. When the lacy leaves are rubbed or brushed, you’ll notice the scent that sends mosquitos elsewhere. It does best in containers and bright sunlight.

2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

This fragrant tropical grass contains citronellal, the natural oil found in many mosquito repellents. Lemongrass grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in your seasonal borders or in large containers, which can easily be moved nearer to seating areas to keep mosquitos away from your gathering.

3. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

Catmint is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It grows well in North Texas, tolerates heat and drought, and produces soft lavender-blue flowers that pollinators absolutely love – but mosquitoes don’t. It contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that is a strong mosquito repellent, even potentially more effective than DEET, according to some researchers.

4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

A fragrant favorite, lavender’s soothing scent is pleasant to us but off-putting to mosquitoes. It thrives in full Texas sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for beds, borders, and patio pots. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established.

5. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a heat-loving herb with a strong scent that deters mosquitoes and other flying insects. It thrives in DFW’s dry, sunny conditions and can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. Try placing rosemary sprigs on the grill while barbecuing to release the scent and keep mosquitoes away from the chef!

Tips for Planting in the DFW Metroplex

Choose sunny spots. All of these plants thrive in full sun, which our area has in abundance!

Prioritize drainage. Use raised beds or well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

Use containers for flexibility. Potted plants can be moved to patios, porches, or picnic areas as needed – right where you want to be, bug free!

Enjoy a More Comfortable Outdoor Space

Adding mosquito-repelling plants to your landscape is a smart, natural way to enjoy more of your outdoor space this summer. Not only do they help keep mosquitoes at bay, they also add beauty, fragrance, and function to your garden.

Not sure where to start? Come visit Landscape Systems Garden Center in Keller! Our team can help you choose the right mosquito-deterring plants that will thrive in your specific yard conditions.

Celebrate National Picnic Month with a landscape that works FOR YOU—and against mosquitoes!