A Guide to Flowers That Deter Pests in the Garden
Using flowers as natural pest repellents is an effective and eco-friendly way to protect your garden. Many flowers produce strong scents or chemicals that deter insects and even larger pests like rabbits and deer. Below is a florist guide to some of the best flowers for keeping pests away.
1. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Pests Repelled: Aphids, nematodes, mosquitoes, whiteflies, and rabbits
Best for: Vegetable gardens, borders, and companion planting
Marigolds emit a strong scent that repels many garden pests.
Their roots release compounds that help control nematodes in the soil.
Plant them around tomatoes, beans, and squash to deter aphids and whiteflies.
2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Pests Repelled: Mosquitoes, fleas, moths, and rabbits
Best for: Borders, pathways, and near seating areas
The fragrant oils in lavender deter insects and rodents.
Plant near patios to reduce mosquito populations.
Attracts pollinators while repelling moths from vegetables.
3. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Pests Repelled: Ants, fleas, roaches, bedbugs, ticks, and spider mites
Best for: Flower beds and around entry points to homes
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide.
Ideal for deterring household and garden pests.
Can be planted around doorways to keep insects from entering the home.
4. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Pests Repelled: Aphids, squash bugs, whiteflies, and beetles
Best for: Vegetable gardens, especially near cucumbers, tomatoes, and brassicas
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, attracting aphids away from vegetables.
The scent repels cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
Edible flowers add color and peppery flavor to salads.
5. Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Pests Repelled: Aphids, tomato hornworms, squash bugs, and leafhoppers
Best for: Companion planting in vegetable gardens and hanging baskets
Petunias produce a scent that deters many common pests.
Low-maintenance and available in many colors.
Works well when planted alongside tomatoes, beans, and peppers.
6. Alliums (Allium spp.)
Pests Repelled: Aphids, slugs, cabbage worms, and carrot flies
Best for: Vegetable gardens, particularly near brassicas and carrots
Includes onions, garlic, chives, and leeks.
The strong onion-like scent confuses pests and deters insects.
Also repels deer and rabbits.
7. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Pests Repelled: Tomato hornworms and cabbage worms
Best for: Companion planting with tomatoes and brassicas
Attracts beneficial insects like bees and predatory wasps.
Leaves can be used as mulch to repel pests.
Edible flowers with a mild cucumber flavor.
8. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Pests Repelled: Mosquitoes, Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, and spider mites
Best for: Hanging baskets, borders, and near vegetable gardens
Strong scent repels leaf-eating insects.
Red varieties are particularly effective against Japanese beetles.
Can be grown in containers to move around the garden as needed.
9. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Pests Repelled: Rodents, deer, and rabbits
Best for: Naturalizing in flower beds and around bulbs that attract pests
Toxic to rodents and rabbits, making them excellent protective barriers.
Plant around tulips and other bulbs to prevent digging.
10. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Pests Repelled: Aphids and whiteflies (as a trap crop)
Best for: Companion planting in vegetable gardens
Attract aphids away from other plants, preventing infestations.
Draw beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps.
Sturdy stalks provide natural trellising for beans and peas.
Final Tips for Using Pest-Repelling Flowers
✔ Companion Planting: Strategically place flowers near vegetables and herbs that attract pests.
✔ Diversity is Key: Plant multiple types of pest-repelling flowers to cover a wider range of insects.
✔ Rotate & Maintain: Keep your flowers healthy, deadhead spent blooms, and refresh plantings as needed.
✔ Attract Beneficial Insects: Many of these flowers also bring pollinators and predatory insects to control pests naturally.
By integrating these flowers into your garden, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides and create a more balanced, thriving ecosystem.
