5 Container-Worthy Potted Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

Nikole Stewart |

Updated: Apr 11, 2025

Potted Plants that Repel Mosquitoes Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Thanks to the Zika virus, people are madly researching mosquito repellents this summer. While bug spray can keep this flying menace at bay, people with green thumbs can wander out to their deck or garden and use some elbow grease to plant bug-repellent potted plants.

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1. Citronella Geranium

Citronella Geranium Google Commons — Credit: Google Commons

You better have a big pot handy for this plant. The Citronella Geranium can grow 4 feet high and 2 feet wide. It’s a large, bushy plant that has thick foliage and lacy, medium-green leaves. This plant’s blooms are pink-purple and it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

2. Lantana

Lantana Google Commons — Credit: Google Commons

Want to fill out a medium, or large pot? Lantana plants are a great cover choice. It grows upright in a sturdy pattern and its blooms are typically pink, red, yellow, orange, or purple. This plant also is a great option if you want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

3. Creeping Lemon Thyme

Creeping Lemon Thyme Google Commons — Credit: Google Commons

Looking for plants you can eat? The following three fit that tasty bill. The Creeping Lemon Thyme plant is a perfect addition to hanging baskets or cascading pots. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds enjoy this plant, too.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary Google Commons — Credit: Google Commons

This plant is my favorite. Fresh rosemary it perfect atop flatbread, salads, and anything, basically. This plant easily fits in containers and does well in full sun and well-draining soil. You also can put this herb to work by cutting some of its branches and burning them in an outdoor fire. The smell is divine—to humans, not bugs, thankfully.

5. Mint

Are you a mojito lover? Then you’ll love that mints of all varieties can repel mosquitoes. This herb can thrive in almost any condition but prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Place this plant in a pot by itself or in a window box with other herbs.

Get the most out of the above plants by planting them near areas that get the most traffic: playgrounds, decks, patios, etc. The wind carries these plants’ scent, so when you walk by them, give them a gentle shake to release their smell. You also can trim branches from these plants and put them in bouquets. Place on picnic tables, etc. And all these plants also work well in gardens. So, if you have the space, go crazy.