Flowers are generally grown by the homeowners because they are known to create a warm and inviting environment and are also appealing to the eyes. Whether you are aware or not, but the beautiful flowers can also be used beyond the decorative aspect to cater to a functional need. The functional purpose that can be catered is repelling of bugs.
There are certain flowers that make use of their scents to repel away different types of insects and bugs such as mosquitoes, beetles, aphides and more. These flowers are friendly to small children at home as well as to pets.Let us now know more about that varied flowers that can be grown to keep the bugs away –
Ageratum – Ageratum is known to produce several small flowers that appear fuzzy. These flowers contain coumarin that keeps mosquitoes away. It is also used as a major ingredient in several mosquito repellents. However, it should not be applied directly to skin as the raw form may cause irritations. So, it is best to have this plant rooted to the ground. Ageratum is a bedding flower, and it grows well in pots, flower beds and rock garden.
Marigold – the bright and large golden blooms of marigold flowers are simply exquisite and are also capable of repelling insects. Marigold flowers are known to give away a strong scent that helps in keeping away the bugs. Organic gardeners often grow marigold around their crops and plant to keep aphides and mosquitoes away. Marigold flowers are available in a wide variety. However, all of them are known to grow ten to twelve inches tall. The common colors of flowers are golden yellow, orange or a mixture of both. These plants love sun and therefore, they should be grown in full sunny spot or partial sunny spot.
Nasturtium – Nasturtium is known to produce many bright colorful small flowers that appear like tissue papers. These flowers are often used as garnishing in soups, salads and other dishes. Besides the garnishing use, these flowers are also very useful in keeping the bugs away from fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Nasturtium can easily repel squash bugs, beetles, and white flies. It also serves as a trap net for aphides.
Besides the above mentioned flowers, other plants that are known to repel bugs are basil, borage, catnip, peppermint, garlic, geraniums and many more.