You’re out in the garden, soaking up the sun, when—buzz!—a bee zips past your face. Annoying, right? While bees are super important for pollination and keeping nature in balance, sometimes you just want to enjoy your outdoor space without them hovering around. Luckily, nature has your back! Certain plants not only make your garden look amazing but also help keep bees at a distance. If you’re looking for a natural way to create a bee-free zone, here’s your go-to guide for the best plants that send bees buzzing elsewhere!
What Attracts Bees and Wasps to Your Garden?
Before we get into the best bee-repelling plants, let’s talk about what actually attracts these little buzzers to your garden in the first place. Bees love nectar and pollen, which they need to survive. That’s why they’re drawn to bright, fragrant flowers—the color and scent act like a neon “welcome” sign for them.
Some of their favorites? Sunflowers, daisies, and lavender, along with sweet-smelling herbs. But it’s not just plants—standing water and sugary food can also lure bees into your yard. Knowing what brings them in can help you make smarter gardening choices and create a space that’s less inviting for them.
Plants That Keep Bees Away
Now that you know what draws bees in, let’s focus on what sends them packing! Some plants give off strong scents or contain natural compounds that bees just can’t stand. By adding these to your garden, you can create a beautiful, bee-free space. Here are some of the best plants to keep those buzzing visitors away!
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip isn’t just for cats—it’s great for keeping bees away too! It has a strong scent that bees just don’t like. It’s super easy to grow and loves sunny spots, so it’s perfect for any garden. Plus, it’s a great way to add a little greenery, and you can even use it in teas if you’re into that!
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers that not only brighten up your garden but also help keep bees at bay! Their strong scent is something bees don’t like, so they’ll buzz off to find another spot. They’re really easy to grow and can be planted in pots or garden beds—perfect for adding a pop of color while keeping bees away!
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is also a natural bee repellent! The strong, aromatic scent of basil makes it tough for bees to stick around. It’s a fantastic herb to grow in both containers or garden beds, and the best part? You get fresh basil for cooking while also keeping those buzzing insects at bay!
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Peppermint’s menthol aroma is something bees definitely don’t like. It’s a simple way to keep bees, mosquitoes, and even ants away from your garden. Just a heads-up, peppermint can spread fast, so it’s best to plant it in a container or trim it regularly. It’s easy to grow and gives you a lovely, fresh smell all summer long!
Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumbers might seem like a strange option, but they’re actually a great way to keep bees away. The bitter leaves and peels of cucumbers are a turn-off for bees, so planting them around your garden can help create a bee-free zone. They’re also really easy to grow, whether you plant them in the ground or in pots!
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic’s strong odor is perfect for keeping bees—and other pests—at a distance. Plant garlic in your garden, and bees won’t be so eager to hang around. It’s an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in garden beds or containers, and on top of being a natural bee repellent, garlic is also great for cooking and has tons of health benefits!
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives aren’t just great for adding flavor to your meals—they also help keep bees away! The onion-like scent of chives is something bees don’t like, so planting them around your garden will help keep those buzzing insects at bay. They’re easy to grow, and you can keep them in both garden beds and containers!
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Eucalyptus trees and shrubs have a strong, fragrant smell that bees simply can’t stand. The scent is so powerful that it sends bees flying to other parts of the garden. Eucalyptus can grow pretty big, so it’s perfect for larger gardens or yards with plenty of space. Not only will it keep bees away, but it’ll also add a lovely, fragrant touch to your outdoor space!
Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums are bright and beautiful, but did you know they’re also great for keeping bees away? Red geraniums, in particular, aren’t very attractive to bees, and their slightly pungent smell is another reason bees tend to avoid them. They’re easy to care for and will add a lovely splash of color to your garden while keeping bees at a distance.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary’s woody scent is a natural bee repellent. Bees don’t like it, so it’s a great plant to help keep them away. It’s also a hardy herb that loves sunny spots and well-drained soil, making it an easy addition to your garden. Plus, you get fresh rosemary for cooking, making it a win-win for your garden!
Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Rue might not be as well-known as other plants, but it’s a powerful bee repellent! Its strong, pungent smell is a major turn-off for bees and wasps. Rue is also super hardy and doesn’t require much care, so it’s perfect for any garden. If you want to keep your garden bee-free, rue is definitely a plant you should add!
Easy Ways to Add Bee-Repellent Plants to Your Garden
Want to keep bees away while still having a gorgeous garden? It’s easier than you think! Here’s how to make those bee-repellent plants work for you:
- Place Them Where You Need Them: Put plants like marigolds or basil near places where you spend a lot of time, like your patio or entryways. This keeps the bees away from your favorite spots while still looking pretty.
- Mix with Other Plants: Try combining bee-repellent plants with flowers that bring in good bugs, like butterflies or ladybugs. For example, pair chives and rosemary to keep bees at bay while still helping your garden thrive.
- Use Containers: If you don’t have a lot of space or just want to move your plants around, go for container gardening. Plant catnip or peppermint in pots and place them where bees like to gather. It’s super easy to move them around, and you can keep the bees away from the spots you care about most!
- Create Natural Borders: For a bee-free zone, use taller plants like eucalyptus at the back of garden beds and smaller ones like geraniums or lavender in the front. This creates a beautiful border that also keeps bees away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant do bees hate the most?
Bees dislike the smell of catnip the most. It contains a compound that naturally repels bees and other insects, making it a top choice for keeping them away from your garden.
Do bees hate the smell of rosemary?
Bees find the strong, woody scent of rosemary unappealing. It’s an excellent herb to plant if you want to keep bees at a distance in your garden.
How to make bees go away?
To make bees go away, plant bee-repellent herbs like basil, marigolds, or peppermint. Avoid bright flowers, limit standing water, and use natural repellents to keep them from buzzing around your garden.
