Indian catmint (Anisomeles indica) Catmint, believed to be a powerful mosquito-repelling species of the mint family, is an aggressive grower. The camphor-scented flowers of Indian catmint can be cut and boiled to make pest-repellant air sprays. Catnip (Nepeta cataria), which works equally well, is an alternative to the catmint herb. What it needs: Catmint can be grown in both partly sunny and fully sunny areas. Well-drained, humus enriched soil can further support the growth.
Marigold (Tagetes patula and Tagetes erecta) Tagetes patula (French marigold) and Tagetes erecta (African marigold) are extensively cultivated in India for their beauty, fragrance and culinary properties (the flowers, that come in beautiful shades of yellow, orange and deep red, are used in the food colouring industry). Marigold flowers beautify and the fragrance deters mosquitoes, beetles and other bugs, making it a great plant to cultivate in gardens, balconies and at the entry points of the home. What it needs: Marigolds too, are easy to grow. They require full sun exposure and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. They can withstand very hot climates, too.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) The Cymbopogon family houses a wide variety of grasses. Among them, lemon grass is native to regions of eastern and western India. Apart from its use in the kitchen, lemongrass oil appears in preservatives, medicines and perfumes too. This multifaceted plant is an ingredient in many commercial mosquito repellent creams. The oil extract of lemongrass can be sprayed around any area; its citrus-like fragrance effectively repels mosquitoes and many other pests. What it needs: This low-maintenance grass grows well in full sunlight and mildly moist, non-pooling soil. The watering schedule should be cut down in the winters when the growth is dormant.
. Basil (Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum tenuiflorum) Ocimum basilicum or sweet basil is a culinary herb with medicinal properties, and Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known in India as tulsi, has been long used in traditional medicine. Basil is an antibacterial herb used for repelling mosquitoes. This bushy plant of the mint family is known to naturally repel mosquitoes when grown in the open areas around the home. Additionally, the oil of this aromatic herb can be extracted and used with diffuser sticks or cotton balls for day-long effect. What it needs: All plants of the basil family grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Direct sun exposure is great for this culinary herb.
Pink mist grass Pink mist grass is a beautiful grass which creates an effect of a pink-purple haze 2-3 feet above the ground. It is a showy clump-forming grass that can become 3 feet tall and just as wide. The stems and leaves are unbranched and wiry in appearance, originating from a dense basal clump. Pink mist grass occurs naturally in wet prairies and savanna grasslands. Botanical name: Muhlenbergia capillaris Water requirement: Medium moisture Soil: Well-drained soil Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade Mature size: 0.9 metre (3 feet) tall and 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide. Native to: USA
Horsetail reed grass Equisetum breaks down into two Latin words, meaning ‘horse’ and ‘bristle’. It is a perennial herb that is evergreen (although the green colour will fade somewhat during the course of a rough winter), but this ancient plant is more closely related to ferns than to the perennials which we are most accustomed to growing in our gardens. Botanical name: Equisetum hyemale Water requirement: Medium moisture Soil: Prefer moderately damp soil, but can also grow in shallow standing water Light requirement: Extremely adaptable in terms of light levels, growing in full sun, deep shade and everything in between Mature size: 0.6-1.8 metres (2-6 feet) tall Native to: North America, Europe and Asia
Botanical name: Phyllostachys aurea Water requirement: Medium moisture Soil: Well-drained soil Light requirement: Partial shade opportunities with plenty of direct sunlight are good growing conditions for the plant to flourish. Mature size: 6-9 metres (20-30 feet) tall Native to: Southwest Asia, East Africa, tropical Africa and the Middle East.
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Flame vine - pyrostegia venusta
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Popularly known as a herb for seasoning, rosemary is a woody, perennial plant that is believed to keep mosquitoes, moths and flies away. For a strong and immediate effect in open areas, simmering rosemary leaves is said to chase off mosquitoes for a couple of hours. What it needs: This evergreen, drought-tolerant member of the mint family survives best in well-drained soil under partial to full sun exposure.
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