Lavender flowers attract butterflies but repel mosquitoes.
Lavender is an easy herb to grow, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. In addition to its fresh scent and vibrant color, lavender attracts butterflies to your yard while repelling some unwanted pest. The blossoms and their oils repel insects including the unpopular mosquito. Does this Spark an idea?
Growing Conditions
Lavender needs hot, sunny locations and well-drained soil. Some varieties tolerate cooler, wetter growing conditions, while others bloom later or longer than traditional lavender. Combining varieties extends the life of your lavender beds and provides longer mosquito protection.
Container Plants
Gardeners with limited space plant lavender in pots. Some cultivars, such as tender L. stonechats, thrive in containers if grown in well-draining potting soil. Pots of lavender plants spaced around a patio help keep your summer evenings mosquito-free.
Colors
Although the term lavender suggests the traditional purple shade of the flowers, the herb blossoms in myriad shades of red, pink and blue. No studies suggest that one shade of lavender is more effective than any other at repelling mosquitoes.
Tags: mosquitoes Lavender