Plants naturally improve curb appeal and deter annoying insects and pests from your deck, porch, and patio. Plants are an inexpensive and valuable addition to any property. Whether you’re hoping to keep bugs away or add outdoor interest that’s easy to maintain, here are three of the best plants for your patio.
Useful Plants for Your Patio
Chrysanthemums
If you have limited space, these flowers are probably one of the best plants for your patio, and they keep the bugs away. Chrysanthemums are known to discourage:
- Ants
- Japanese beetles
- Roaches
- Spider mites
- Ticks
- Lice
- Silverfish
- Bed bugs
- Harlequin bugs
To care for your chrysanthemums, use well-drained soil and make sure they get plenty of light – at least 6 hours of daily direct sunlight is best. Keep the soil moist to encourage growth. Depending on how hot your yard gets, you’ll need to provide water every other day.
Basil Plants for Your Patio
Do you have an issue with houseflies? Plant a container garden with basil. This herb will keep flies and mosquitoes at bay. It’s also entirely edible and tasty in many foods and drink recipes. Basil grows bright green leaves with small white flowers and needs 6-8 hours of direct daily sun to thrive.
If you plan to add basil to your outdoor space, it is best to plant it in containers, as basil needs to be warm but sheltered from the elements. Keeping them portable makes it easier to relocate them to the ideal place on the porch or patio.
For those who live in a sweltering climate, plan to move your basil into the shade during the day’s hottest hours. Too much sun can scorch the leaves, leaving your plant prone to disease and pest infestation. Avoid overwatering these plants by keeping the soil moist but not drenched.
Citronella Grass
Commercial mosquito repellents often contain this scented grass. Citronella will help repel mosquitos and other flying insects from your patio, so plant it in large pots by your doors or near outdoor eating areas. This is an excellent plant for your patio, but it doesn’t require direct sunlight. Aim for 6 – 8 hours of light shade, with some sun exposure for best results.
Citronella needs a lot of moisture to thrive, but make sure not to overwater. Regular watering will be necessary for the hottest and driest parts of the year, but once it starts to cool, check to see if the soil is moist or dry before watering the plant.
Cole’s Inspection Services provides inspections to home buyers and sellers in Statesville, NC, and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule our services.