Skunks are cute little critters, but they quickly become a nuisance when they decide to make their home in your garden or yard. Not only do they leave an unpleasant odor behind, but they also sometimes dig up your plants and lawn in search of insects and grubs to eat.

Fortunately, there are several plants that help keep skunks away. Keep reading to discover some of the best plants that repel skunks and learn how to incorporate them into your landscape to create a skunk-free environment.

Plants to Repel Skunks

Skunks are attracted to areas with food sources, like gardens and compost piles. They may also use these places to burrow and nest. Using plants to keep skunks out of your garden is a natural and effective way to deter these animals from wreaking havoc on your yard.

Certain plants contain natural compounds that repel skunks. Planting them around the perimeter of your garden can create a barrier that skunks are less likely to cross. Another option is to use prickly or thorny plants as a hedge, creating an uncomfortable barrier that skunks are less likely to navigate.

Overall, using plants to deter skunks is a natural and safe way to protect your garden while promoting biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem. Here are a few of the best plants for repelling skunks.

1. Crown Imperial

Crown imperial flowers

Image credits: dendoktoor via Pixabay

Crown imperial plants (Fritillaria imperialis) are a striking addition to any garden. But did you know they also have natural skunk-repelling properties? These spring-flowering bulbs produce large, bell-shaped blooms in yellow, orange, and red shades from May to June. The bulbs and flowers have a strong musky odor that repels skunks.

These striking plants grow 3 to 4 feet tall and work well in garden borders. They prefer rich, well-draining soil with medium moisture levels. Plant crown imperial flowers in full sun to partial shade.

2. Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Image credits: Paul Morley via Unsplash

Known for their stinging hairs that irritate the skin, stinging nettle plants (Urtica dioica) may also have natural skunk-repelling properties. Skunks reportedly also dislike the prickly features of the stinging nettle and avoid areas where they grow. Additionally, these plants attract beneficial insects that help control the population of insects that skunks feed on, like grubs and beetles.

Plant stinging nettle in an out-of-the-way location on your garden's border where it gets full sun to partial shade. These plants prefer consistently moist soil that's well-draining and rich in nutrients. Additionally, keep children and pets away from stinging nettle plants to avoid irritation.

3. Daffodils

vibrant Daffodils growing in a garden

Image credits: Andréas BRUN via Unsplash

Daffodils (Narcissus) are beautiful flowering plants in the amaryllis family that add color and vibrancy to your spring garden and serve as a natural deterrent for skunks. They contain chemical compounds called amaryllidaceous alkaloids, which are part of the plant's natural defenses against parasites and herbivores. These alkaloids are toxic to many animals, including skunks. They taste bitter and cause digestive problems in animals.

Plant daffodil bulbs about two to four weeks before your usual first frost date in the fall. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil.

4. Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape

Image credits: stilfee via Pixabay

Skunks are less likely to enter your yard or garden if you plant a dense hedge of prickly-leaved plants like Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). The sharp, holly-like leaves make it more difficult for them to access the area, reducing the likelihood of skunks damaging your property.

Additionally, Oregon grape's bright yellow flowers and blue-black berries add a lovely touch to your landscape design. In the spring, the leaves emerge with a glossy, bright green color. As the summer progresses, the leaves darken. They eventually turn shades of purple, red, and bronze in the fall and winter.

These evergreen plants are highly adaptable and grow well in various soil conditions. Furthermore, they'll tolerate full sun to full shade. However, partial shade is best for optimal foliage color, and they enjoy dry conditions.

5. Summer Squash

Zucchini growing

Image credits: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

Planting a border of summer squash is a natural and effective way to keep skunks away from your veggie garden, and you'll also enjoy a delicious harvest. Summer squash plants have prickly leaves and stems that are unpleasant for skunks to walk on, making it less likely for them to venture into the garden.

Plant summer squash in late spring after the last danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants grow best in moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0 and 6.5.

Other Ways to Repel Skunks Naturally

Skunk sitting under a log

Image credits: christels via Pixabay

It's understandable to want to keep skunks at bay and avoid the unpleasant odor and potential damage they cause. However, it's also important to remember that they play a vital role in the natural ecosystem. Furthermore, using several different pest control methods in conjunction is usually the most effective.

Firstly, eliminate potential food and water sources to make your property less attractive to skunks. These include garbage cans, uncovered compost piles, and pet dishes. Likewise, block off likely hiding spots including brush, wood piles, or hollow tree trunks.

Also, since they're primarily nocturnal, installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers will humanely scare off any skunks lurking on your property at night.

Smell Ya Later!

Several plants effectively repel skunks from gardens and outdoor spaces. Incorporating these plants into your landscape will discourage skunks from entering your property and causing damage. However, it's essential to note that no single plant is guaranteed to repel skunks completely. A combination of deterrents may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Do you have any questions or suggestions about keeping skunks out of your garden? Please share them in the comments below.