5 Good-Looking Garden Flowers that Naturally Deter Insects

Insects are notorious troublemakers in our gardens. Along with mercilessly chewing beautiful flowers, bugs also transmit diseases onto the greenery all around, driving frustrated gardeners nuts and making them invent the methods of revenge. Some gardeners will fight back with pesticides, others will use folk medicine treatments like poultices or compresses, while thirds will even handpick insect pests and sink them in soapy water. However, there is a way more pleasant (and effective) method to eliminate insect vermin from your precious garden – by planting special flowers which insects hate. These flowers keep insects away due to the special sap they exude, succulent leaves, thick foliage, and other natural defense mechanisms.

By planting these natural defenders, you will save tons of time and effort on tussling with bugs on your own, making sure the aesthetics of your garden or yard will never be compromised by pesky creepy crawlies. More than that, these natural insect deterrents also look amazing as cut flowers and never fail to enhance the beauty of a floral arrangement. So, you may even want to include a couple of such stems in a bouquet for your loved one when you order global flower delivery in any country.

Bloody Cranesbill

This pretty garden plant is an excellent choice for a pest-proof garden. Along with repelling annoying insects, Bloody Cranesbill is also unpalatable for such munchers as deer and rabbits. At the same time, this ornamental attracts beneficial pollinators, so your garden may be invaded by all sorts of butterflies and bees if you overdo with Cranesbill flowers. Often confused with annual Pelargonium, Cranesbill is essentially the genuine perennial geranium. Its blooming period starts from late spring throughout the summer season, and its stems are accentuated with adorable pink heads. This bushy perennial can grow up to 30 cm tall and looks its finest when planted along borders. Requiring little to no maintenance, Cranesbill will bloom even stronger after occasional deadheading. Pinching old leaves off will also do a marvelous trick. The plant loves well-drained soil and can adapt to most weather conditions, even arid and high humidity.

Chrysanthemum

This plant is a glorious member of the Asteraceae family. Chrysanthemums can reach up to 100 cm in height. Gently dubbed as Mums, Chrysanthemums can be either annual or perennial, depending on their variety. Its blooming timeframe spans June to November, and its color scheme is richer than that of a rainbow. Chrysanthemums have thick foliage that gives them a sturdy look, but it is their flowers that make them really wondrous. Their stems are strong, each of them being able to accommodate multiple flowerets. But the best thing about Mums is their intimidating effect on pests. This plant contains pyrethrum, an agent often used in the production of insect repellents. Caring for chrysanthemums is easy. They can happily adjust to almost any soil, and they look their best when planted in areas where they are exposed to the sun. You can grow them from seeds, but this can take a long time. Many people buy chrysanthemums in pots and then tuck them directly onto the ground somewhere in the garden.

Melampodium

Alternatively known as the Butter Daisy, Melampodium is a lovely annual plant that will bring a solid dose of sunshine to your garden, along with making it pest-free. Not so tall (the height can be up to 40 cm), this flower looks admirable in beds and along borders, but it is also a great companion flower to elevate the beauty of other plants. Butter Daisies prefer sunny locations and well-drained soil. To encourage abundant blooming, you want to use a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis. You can plant these flowers anytime from spring to fall. The flower will look its healthiest in the moist soil, so do not forget to water it sufficiently during dry weather. If they get enough sunlight and water, your Melampodium will grow quickly. It will be helpful if you add some organic matter to the soil before planting it in. Manure, compost, and peat are perfect measures for loosening and enriching the soil, while also improving its drainage.

Marigolds

Brimming with color, marigolds are truly miracle flowers thanks to their ability to scare off bad guys while enchanting beneficial pollinators. The sunny faces of marigolds can give many unwelcome bugs the creeps, including whiteflies and aphids – the worst garden-breakers. Depending on the variety, the height of marigolds can range from 30 cm to 1 meter. They have dense foliage and they form lush blooming clusters. They are perfect for mass planting. Marigolds are generally planted in early spring, once the last frost has gone. These cheerful flowers enjoy being in the sun, but on very hot days they may need a little shade. They also need protection from strong winds and heavy rains. The biggest allure about marigolds is that they can easily grow from seed, while occasional deadheading and pinching will encourage even bushier blooming.

Lavender

The long vertical stems of fabulous lavender can bring drama to any garden landscape, showcasing your penchant for the finer things in life. The scent of lavender is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation, while its divine blue color is a sight to behold. If you can’t find lavender, white roses are also a great option. Lavender extracts are used to produce insect-repelling oils, but the natural plant also does a great job by keeping moths, mosquitoes, flies, and other little nasty creatures at bay. It also effectively fends off deer and munchers. It is quite easy to grow and care for lavender, especially if you are growing it from cuttings. Growing from seed is a little tricky, so to avoid stress and frustration, it is better to start with cuttings. Lavender likes well-drained soil and sun exposure. Nurturing the soil with organic matter is also a great way to increase your chances of growing sublime lavender. Plus, once you plant lavender, you can safely forget about it.  Self-maintaining, the plant hardly ever needs some fertilizers as it can gather moisture and nutrients right from the soil. If the soil becomes too dry, just water the plant from time to time. A perennial, lavender can last for several years, so feel free to cut your lavender for a showy bouquet to adorn your table, and the plant will not take long to come back again.