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These 6 fly-repellent plants for pots will keep bugs at bay so you can enjoy your patio in peace – and they'll make it smell delightful too

Keep outdoor seating areas pest-free this summer

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A patio with a corner rattan outdoor sofa with a matching ottoman surrounded by blooming plants
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Relaxing outdoors and dining alfresco are what summer is all about, but it’s no fun at all if you find yourself besieged by flies and bugs when you’re trying to take it easy or spend time with family outdoors.

For a natural solution that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals, choosing fly-repellent plants for patio containers is a brilliant way of making outdoor seating areas less attractive to pests, while at the same time making the space look more colourful too.

‘When it comes to fly-repellent plants, there isn’t one plant that will deter flies completely; it’s more a combination of different fragrant plants for containers that will work best,’ says David Denyer, flower and garden expert at Eflorist. ‘But the good news is that by choosing a variety of herbs and flowering plants for patio pots, they will make the space look beautiful while releasing strong fragrances that flies find unpleasant, meaning your patio and seating areas will be far less attractive for them to linger in over summer.’

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1. Lavender

lavender in pot

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‘Whilst the gorgeous aroma of lavender is pleasant to us, flies are put off by the smell, making lavender the perfect choice to place in patio containers. Plus, lavender thrives in direct sunlight and copes well with dry spells and heatwaves like the ones we’ve been experiencing this summer,’ says David.

‘In addition, bees and pollinators are naturally drawn to lavender too, helping to deter unwanted flies and insects further.’

When it comes to growing lavender in containers, choose a roomy pot with good drainage and free-draining compost, like this Westland Multi Purpose Compost, £7.98 from Amazon, as lavender does best in fairly dry conditions. Terracotta pots are ideal due to their porous nature which allows the soil to breathe.

Where to buy lavender plants:

2. Basil

basil in pot

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‘The best plants for deterring flies are those with strong scents that flies find unpleasant,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express. ‘Growing herbs is an excellent choice, with varieties such as basil, mint and rosemary all giving off pungent aromas that flies dislike.’

‘Place basil in pots around your patio, particularly near seating areas, which will help keep flies at bay while you enjoy the sunshine. Gently agitating the leaves will help to release their scent.'

Basil can be grown easily from a shop-bought plant. It's a warmth-craving herb, so position containers in sunny, sheltered spots on the patio. And keep basil consistently watered, but don’t overwater, as it doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil. Check by pushing a finger into the soil to see how damp it is.

Where to buy basil plants:

Shop these patio planters

3. Rosemary

rosemary in pot

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‘Rosemary is another easy-to-grow herb, releasing aromatic oils that deter flies, especially when disturbed or brushed against,’ suggests David. ‘As rosemary is a Mediterranean herb, it will flourish in sun-filled gardens and only requires minimal watering once established.’

When growing your own rosemary in containers, go for terracotta or clay pots, which allow the soil to breathe and prevent waterlogging. Fill containers with free-draining soil - adding grit or perlite, like this premium perlite for plants, £5.49 from Amazon, that will aid drainage - then position the container in full sun to ensure that your rosemary will thrive.

Where to buy rosemary plants:

4. Mint

mint in pot

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‘We all know the strong, fragrant smell of mint, but for many insects, including flies, that strong smell is too overpowering to go anywhere near it,’ says David.

‘When growing mint in pots, make sure to put it in its own pot to avoid it spreading into the borders of your garden, as it is a vigorous grower. Mint will die back over winter, but then regrows every spring, so it can live for many years. Nectar-rich purple, pink or white flowers appear in summer and are loved by pollinators.’

‘And let’s not forget the bonus of growing mint in your garden - being able to trim the leaves to use in your culinary dishes or as a garnish in your summer cocktails,’ adds David.

Where to buy mint plants:

5. Citronella geraniums

citronella geraniums in pot

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‘Flowering plants such as citronella geraniums have a strong aroma that can help keep flies at bay,’ suggests Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.

‘Citronella geraniums, along with other citronella plants, like lemongrass and citronella grass, are particularly effective at deterring pesky flying insects and help by masking the scents of food and people that attract flies.’

A pretty and colourful plant that is ideal for patio containers, citronella geraniums have strongly aromatic lemon-scented foliage with small, single or double flowers in shades of pink, purple or white. Foliage can be given a light trim if required over summer to help plants keep their shape and size, with flowers deadheaded regularly to encourage more blooms.

Where to buy citronella geranium plants:

6. Marigolds

marigolds in pot

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‘Marigolds add a unique splash of colour to patio areas, and their distinctive smell will deter a range of garden pests and flying insects,’ suggests David. ‘If you pair marigolds with lavender and rosemary, you can create a patio display that’ll look stunning as well as be highly effective at deterring unwanted visitors.’

When it comes to growing marigolds in containers, opt for smaller varieties such as French marigolds, like these marigold French durango mixed bedding plants, £16.99 from Gardeners Dream, which are available in a range of dazzling yellows, oranges and reds, or try bushy Signet marigolds, like these Signet marigold 'lemon gem' seeds, £2.99 for 450, from Amazon.

Marigolds don't require a huge amount of growing space as their roots aren’t particularly deep or wide-spreading, so pots can be fairly compact unless several plants are grown together. And container material isn’t too important, as marigolds are happy growing in terracotta, clay, plastic or wood.

Where to buy marigold plants:

Are you bothered by pests outdoors? Are there any tricks and tips you have for deterring flies? Let us know.

Lisa Fazzani
Lisa Fazzani
Freelance content editor

Lisa is a freelance journalist who has written about interiors for more than 25 years. Previously editor of Style at Home magazine, she has worked on all the major homes titles, including Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors, 25 Beautiful Homes and Homes & Gardens. She has covered pretty much every area of the home, from shopping and decorating, crafts and DIY to real homes and makeovers and now regularly writes gardening stories for Ideal Home.