The Easy-To-Grow Flower That Can Ward Off Mosquitoes In The Summer Heat

There's nothing that ruins a relaxing evening in your backyard sanctuary quite like mosquitoes. Luckily, there are some clever ways you can have these pesky intruders running for the hills. You may have heard of the tropical grass called citronella, but there's another easy-to-grow plant that you can cultivate in your garden to keep the mosquitoes away: floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum).  Also known as Mexican paintbrush or blue mink, this plant thrives in full sun, making it a perfect candidate to withstand summer heat all while fighting off mosquitoes and other biting insects. 

Floss flower is prized for its fluffy, pompom-shaped blooms. They can be purple, light blue, white, or pink. This plant can be anywhere from 6 inches to 24 inches tall and has a spread of roughly 6 inches to 12 inches. It's suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11.  In most regions, it's considered an annual but can survive as a perennial in zones 10 to 11. While mosquitoes are repealed by it, the floss flower does attract beneficial pollinators to your yard. There's a lot to love about these whimsically beautiful, beneficial flowers. Let's dive deeper into exactly how you can use them to deter mosquitoes.

According to a 2012 study conducted by the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, the crude leaf extract of this plant in combination with coconut oil was an excellent mosquito repellent. Biting insects tend to avoid floss flowers due to a compound it secretes called coumarin. This powerful substance is often used as an ingredient in insecticides and bug spray. It's believed that floss flower might also work to effectively deter other garden pests.

To take advantage of floss flower's mosquito fighting ability, sow seeds inside around late spring or early summer. Opt for moist, well-drained soil. Press seeds into the soil without covering them—they require light to germinate properly. Once they grow leaves, they're ready to move outside. Place them in a garden bed or container near your yard seating for the best chance at repelling mosquitoes. Remember, this plant loves the heat, so be sure you pick a sunny spot for the best blooms, too. Water them at least once a week and fertilize with water-soluble fertilizer twice a month. With some low-maintenance care, this resilient flower should thrive.

You can bolster the effectiveness of your floss flower by growing other mosquito-deterring plants such as citronella in your yard. Also consider leaning on household staples to repel them. For instance, you can spread coffee grounds in your garden plot or in containers near your patio to keep the bugs away. With all of these tips and tricks in mind, you're well on your way to a beautiful yard with significantly less mosquitoes.