Do Zinnias Repel Bugs?
- Zinnias do not repel bugs. Unlike strongly scented herbs, they do not have a fragrance that is unpleasant to undesirable insects, nor do they emit a harmful chemical, such as marigolds do. Indeed, they attract all types of insects, from pollinators like bees to destructive Japanese beetles. The latter may sound like a negative thing, but in reality it can be extremely beneficial. Pastel-colored zinnias are attractive to beetles and can be planted as bait to keep these bugs away from other plants. This technique of planting one flower to lure bugs away from another plant is called "trap cropping."
- One beneficial creature in particular that zinnias attract is the hummingbird, which is attracted to the brightly colored blooms. Hummingbirds are a natural predator of whiteflies, which are tiny bugs that commonly infest ornamental annuals. These tiny white, winged insects lay eggs on the undersides of the leaves. Once the nymphs hatch, they proceed to feed on the juices of the leaves. Heavy infestations can cause spotted or yellowing, wilted foliage. In addition, the pests excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts fungal spores and can lead to sooty mold, which can disfigure fruit and flowers or even prevent the plant from blooming at all.
- Zinnias can be planted near plants that are commonly bothered by Japanese beetles in an attempt to lure the beetles away from the plants. Try planting them near roses, maple trees, crabapples and altheas. Alternatively, plant them near a window where you can enjoy the hummingbirds when they come to feast on whiteflies. Along those same lines, use them to surround other ornamental plants that are plagued by whiteflies, such as gardenias, viburnums and citrus plants.
- Zinnias are only beneficial if they are cared for properly. These flowers need full sunlight, but are adaptable to all types of soil save overly wet soil, which can lead to root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage the zinnias to rebloom, and water at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases on the foliage.
