Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Pennyroyal (Mosquito Plant)

Q. What is a mosquito plant? Do they help keep mosquitos out of your yard?

A. Mosquitos are driven away from various odors. Citrus is the most common. Think: citronella lamps and smoke which deter them at dusk. There is the citrus-odored plant below, Citrosa sinensis, but the more common one known as the Mosquito plant is the first one here:

Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium (Mock or American Pennyroyal is Hedeoma
pulegioides)

COMMON/FOLKLORE NAMES:

Lurk in the ditch, Mosquito plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Squaw Balm, Pudding Grass, Squaw Mint, Tickweed, Run-by-the-Ground, Piliolerial

PENNYROYAL IN HISTORY

Pennyroyal was indeed a Royal Herb, or at least a favorite of the early English royal families. We know that it was accredited with medicinal properties as early as Pliny, who also remarked on its effectiveness against fleas. In fact, its Latin name of Pulegium is derived from pulex mean "flea". Native American Indians were well aware of its benefits, and taught the settlers to rub the leaves over the skin to repel insects. In fact, tribal uses were many...the Chickasaw would soak the entire plant in water and place it on the forehead to relieve headache and watery eyes. Other tribes used it for stomach aid, still others to relieve cold and flu. This appears to contradict records indicating that Pennyroyal was one of the plants introduced by the Pilgrim settlers.

While Pennyroyal has a rich history of medicinal uses, we now know the cautions of using it internally. Today, the best use of Pennyroyal is externally, as a natural insect repellent. Simply grab a handful of the fresh herb, and rub it on the skin to repel flies, mosquitos, gnats, ticks, chiggers, and fleas. The slightly rosey-minty smell is much more pleasant than smelling like a chemical insecticide. You can hang dried bunches to repel flies, gnats or other winged creatures in the house. Put it in vases around the home to repel pestiferous pests. Be sure to keep them in places where children and pets won't be tempted to nibble!! Wear a dab of infusion or oil to keep fleas and mosquitoes at bay, and dab some on your pet's collar to do the same. Scatter some leaves among (preferably under) your pet's bedding to combat fleas.

This is from a lengthy article on the mosquito plant, go to: http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/pennyroyal.htm

There is also this plant, which seems less of a gardening plant:

Citrosa sinensis [Mosquito plant]

http://www.growit.com/plants/growers/SN/499.htm

Q. I have one of the Mosquito plants and would like to know how to start more from it. I live in Florida if that would help you. I have it in a pot and could I transfer it to the ground also? It works so well against the big ones we seem to grow here.

Pennyroyal, Mentha pulegium (Mock or American Pennyroyal is Hedeoma pulegioides).

COMMON/FOLKLORE NAMES: Lurk in the ditch, Mosquito plant, Organ Broth, Organs, Organ Tea, Piliolerian, Squaw Balm, Pudding Grass, Squaw Mint, Tickweed, Run-by-the-Ground, Piliolerial

It is easily propagated by the little runners it produces, or by stem cuttings. Choose the newest, healthiest growth, cut to 6" and place one inch deep in moist mixture of perlite and vermiculite [with some sterilized sand if you have on hand]. You can dip in Rootone to speed rooting. Keep in a bright, protected location, with no direct sunlight. Watch the watering, so as not to allow to dry out, or else they will wither.

Once rooted, plant right into the garden beds where you desire, or in large containers which you can place near your outdoor seating area and move around. You may consider getting a base on wheels, with a drainage bowl, since these work so well when using around patios.