3 varieties of geraniums you can plant in your garden to repel mosquitoes
Geraniums are an effective solution for repelling mosquitoes due to their strong lemon or menthol scent, which is so feared by these insects.
Mosquito-repellent geraniums are particularly effective at keeping these pests away. But which varieties should you prioritize? These are the most effective:
If your garden, like your home, is infested with mosquitoes, there are several tricks to get rid of them, including natural solutions such as repellent plants. These give off strong scents that keep mosquitoes away. In addition to calendula, lavender, and mint, known for their effectiveness, scented geraniums can also be an option.
Geraniums not only beautify our outdoor areas, but they also act as a natural mosquito repellent. This is especially true of the “pelargonium” varieties, which give off lemony or minty aromas that are highly repulsive to these insects. Therefore, they can easily be planted in the garden or in pots throughout the house to enjoy sweet summer evenings undisturbed by mosquitoes.
It’s important to note that some geraniums are more effective than others. We recommend choosing from the following varieties:
- Pelargonium citronellum, also called citronella geranium, has dense, compact foliage and flowers with a very fragrant aroma reminiscent of lemon.
- Pelargonium citriodorum Crispum is characterized by extremely aromatic, lemon-scented foliage and small, violet-pink flowers.
- Pelargonium graveolens, which gives off a distinctly minty scent thanks to its petals, blooming from June to September. This plant is also often used in perfumery.
Among these varieties, Pelargonium Graveolens ‘Citronella’ is often recommended for its repellent properties due to its high citronellol content, a compound known for its insect-repellent properties.
To use geraniums against mosquitoes, here are some tips:
- Grow fragrant geraniums in pots on your patio or near windowsills to repel mosquitoes. Make sure they receive enough sunlight and water to keep them healthy and fragrant.
- Crush some fresh geranium leaves and rub them directly on your skin: the scent they give off will help keep mosquitoes away.
- Use scented candles or essential oil diffusers with geranium oil to keep mosquitoes away from your home.
- Make a repellent by spraying geranium essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle and spritzing it wherever you want to keep mosquitoes away, such as your patio or garden.
For maximum effectiveness, place mosquito-repellent geraniums near windows or doors if growing them in pots, or in an accessible location if planted in the ground. It’s important to touch a few geranium leaves, especially Pelargonium graveolens, to release a delicate scent.
Although citronella is often considered the most effective plant against mosquitoes due to its natural lemon scent, you can purchase citronella plants at garden centers, nurseries, or online along with various citronella products such as candles, lanterns, or sprays to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
