10 Beautiful Shade Plants That Repel Mosquitos Naturally

by The Home Growns January 17, 2025, 12:35 am 2k Views

2. Citronella Grass: The Truth About This Tropical Mosquito Fighter

A shaded garden showcasing plants that repel mosquitos, featuring layers of lush greenery including citronella grass, lavender, and marigolds along a stone paver pathway. The garden's thoughtful design combines mosquito-deterrent shade plants with decorative red blooms, all thriving beneath mature trees near a traditional-style building on an overcast day.

Let me clear up some confusion right away – what we commonly call citronella grass isn’t exactly what you might think! After years of gardening and research, I discovered that true citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is often confused with lemongrass. But here’s the exciting part – both are amazing at keeping mosquitoes away!

The Real Deal About Citronella

I remember the first time I planted citronella grass in my shaded patio. The lemony scent was absolutely incredible, and even better, it actually worked at repelling those pesky mosquitoes! Studies have shown that citronella grass can reduce mosquito activity by up to 40% in your outdoor spaces.

Container Growing Success

Living in a small urban apartment taught me some valuable lessons about growing citronella grass in containers:

Use a pot at least 24 inches wide and deep
Ensure excellent drainage with plenty of holes
Mix regular potting soil with about 20% sand
Position in partial shade (4-6 hours of filtered sunlight)
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged

Creating That Modern Tropical Vibe

Here’s my secret for making citronella grass look absolutely stunning in any space: treat it like the architectural plant it is. The tall, arching blades create natural movement and drama, perfect for that modern tropical look we’re all crushing on right now.

Low-Maintenance Care Guide

As a busy professional, I’ve developed some time-saving maintenance tips:

Trim back yellowing leaves monthly
Divide the plant every spring
Feed with slow-release fertilizer twice per season
Mist occasionally during dry spells
Protect from strong winds

Perfect Pairing Partners

Want to create a show-stopping shade garden? Here are my favorite plants to pair with citronella grass:

Coleus for vibrant foliage
Japanese Forest Grass for texture contrast
Caladiums for tropical flair
Bird’s Nest Ferns for that lush understory look

Winter Protection Tips

Living in zone 6, I’ve learned that citronella grass needs special attention when temperatures drop. Either bring containers indoors or heavily mulch in-ground plants. I keep mine near a bright window during winter months, treating it like a houseplant until spring returns.

Ready to add some cheerful color to your mosquito-repelling shade garden? Click “next” to discover how Marigolds can bring both beauty and bug-fighting power to your outdoor space. These golden beauties have a secret superpower that makes them absolute champions in the natural pest control game! 🌼✨