Gardening Edible Gardening Herbs How to Grow and Care for a Citronella Plant Add a delightful citrus fragrance to your garden with this easy-care scented geranium. By Megan Hughes Megan Hughes Megan Hughes has a passion for plants that drives her to stay on top of the latest garden advancements and time-tested ways of growing great plants. She travels regularly to learn about new plants and technology and is closely connected to the innovation side of the horticulture industry. She has more than 25 years of experience in horticulture. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 18, 2024 Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Fact checked by Marcus Reeves Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music's Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Pests and Problems Propagation Companion Plants FAQ Trending Videos Close this video player Citronella plant is a popular herb that has acquired a variety of nicknames over the years—including mosquito plant and lemon geranium. However, the annual (and occasional perennial) is actually a form of scented geranium, known as Pelargonium citrosum. Technically, the cultivar that was originally dubbed "citronella plant" is Pelargonium citrosum 'van Leenii', but since its debut in the early 1990s, several other citrus-scented geraniums have been mistakenly labeled under the familiar bug-repelling moniker. Known for the strong, citrus-like fragrance that quickly wafts from its crushed leaves, citronella plant is reminiscent of citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) or its cousin, lemongrass. It is said to repel mosquitos and other insects, but those claims are not proven. Nonetheless, citronella plant makes an easy-to-grow and fragrant addition to any garden. This low-maintenance variety of scented geraniums can also be grown as houseplants but be aware that it is considered toxic to most pets—particularly small pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits. The leaves (which contain geraniol and linalool, both major constituents of essential oils) are also mildly toxic to humans. Does a Citronella Plant Really Repel Mosquitoes? Here's What Studies Say Dean Schoeppner Citronella Plant Overview Genus Name Pelargonium Citrosum Common Name Citronella Plant Additional Common Names Mosquito Plant, Scented Citronella Geranium, Lemon Geranium Plant Type Annual, Perennial Light Part Sun, Sun Height 1 to 2 feet Width 1 to 3 feet Flower Color Pink, Purple Foliage Color Blue/Green Season Features Summer Bloom Special Features Fragrance, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 11, 9 Propagation Stem Cuttings Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant Where to Plant Citronella Plant Citronella plant grows equally well in full sun or part shade. In regions with intense summer heat, give your plant afternoon shade. A porch or patio that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is perfect—especially in containers where you can easily pick a leaf to release some of the refreshing perfume. Grow citronella plant in the ground along a walkway where you are likely to brush up against the leaves. It only releases its refreshing, vibrant, lemony scent when its leaves are touched. Pair it with fragrant herbs and perennials to give your garden a complex, welcoming aroma. Indoor-grown citronella plants need lots of direct sunlight—at least 6 hours each day—and relatively high humidity (at least 40%). Consider placing it in a south-facing kitchen or bathroom window. Make Your Own Citronella Candle How and When to Plant a Citronella Plant The best time to plant citronella plant outdoors is in the spring or fall. Or, if you plan to grow citronella plant as an annual in zones where it is not hardy, place it in the ground just after the danger of frost has passed. Indoor-grown citronella plants can be potted at any time as long as they are kept in an area with lots of sunlight. Outdoors, prepare your plant by hardening it off for 2 weeks (if it has been growing indoors) and water it deeply just before planting. When you are ready, dig a hole slightly wider, but just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Remove your citronella plant from its container and ease apart the roots with your fingers. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the displaced soil. If you are planting more than one citronella plant, place them 12 to 18 inches apart. Here's What to Plant with Geraniums for Pretty Summer Containers Citronella Plant Care Tips Citronella plants may not repel pests as effectively as scientists once hoped, but they are worth growing for their prettily serrated, aromatic leaves and their occasional lavender-pink blooms. Even better, they are easy to care for and can tolerate a little neglect. Light Citronella plants need full sunlight to thrive but can tolerate light afternoon shade—especially in regions with punishingly hot summers. Indoor-grown citronella plants also need lots of sunlight and may grow leggy with less than 6 hours of direct sun exposure each day. The 10 Best Plants for Morning Shade and Afternoon Sun Soil and Water Like most scented geraniums, citronella plant prefers well-drained soil and will tolerate dry soil. Avoid wet or boggy growing areas because citronella plants may rot in soggy soil. In a container, use a fast-draining, all-purpose potting mix. Citronella plant fares best when its soil is allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Water your citronella plants only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Plan to water a potted citronella plant deeply, allowing excess water to flow out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Don't water the plant again until the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. When it's dry, water deeply again. How to Water Indoor Plants the Right Way Temperature and Humidity Citronella plants (both indoor and outdoor) fare best in temperatures between 50˚ and 80˚ Fahrenheit with a humidity level between 40% and 70%. Like many other scented geraniums, citronella plants are frost-tender and won't survive freezing temperatures. They can, however, be overwintered indoors. To overwinter your citronella plant indoors, move it into your home when night temperatures dip to 45˚ in the fall. Don't wait. If citronella plants remain outside when temperatures drop below 45˚, they will struggle to adjust to indoor growing conditions. So, it's best to bring your citronella inside as soon as cool nights become the norm. Place it in a sunny window (south- or west-facing windows let in the brightest light) or use a grow light. Gradually move your plant outside again in spring when the danger of frost has passed and night temperatures stay above 50˚ Fahrenheit. Are Geraniums Perennial? Plus How to Overwinter Them Fertilizer Citronella, like other scented geraniums, doesn't require much fertilizing over the course of the growing season. Mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time to satisfy its nutrient needs. Pruning Citronella plants grown as annuals don't require pruning, but you can encourage a more compact, bushy plant by pinching it off (just below the flower) with your thumb and forefinger early in the season. It's also wise to remove spent blooms as they appear. In addition, citronella plants grown as perennials (in zones 9-11) may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain a pleasing shape. If necessary, use sharp, sterile shears to cut it back hard (no more than half) at the end of autumn. Leave at least a few strong sets of buds near the base of the leaves. 7 Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid Potting and Repotting Citronella plant makes an excellent container plant if given at least 6 hours of sun exposure each day. Plant your citronella plant in a container filled with fast-draining potting mix or a 1:1 mix of peat and perlite. Citronella plants are fast-growing, so choose a pot relative to the size of the root ball plus a couple of inches. Annually-grown citronella plants shouldn't need to be repotted, but those grown as perennials or houseplants should be repotted every 2 to 3 years—even if you are just replacing the soil in the same pot. If your plant has outgrown its current pot, upgrade to a container 2 to 3 inches larger. In the spring, as new growth is just beginning, ease your citronella plant from its container and gently tease apart the roots. Massage the roots to remove as much of the old soil as possible. Set the plant aside. Partially fill your new (or freshly cleaned) container with fresh soil and place the plant so it sits at the same level in the soil. Finish filling the container and gently tamp down the soil to secure the plant. Water thoroughly and add more soil if necessary. Water again and let the excess drain away. 3 Easy Steps for Repotting Root-Bound Plants for More Indoor Greenery Pests and Problems Citronella plants aren't prone to problems with pests, but keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, cabbage loopers, mites, and cankerworms. Like other scented geraniums, citronella plants can also fall prey to root rot and fungal problems when kept in soggy soil. Space your plants out to provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Try These Garden Pest Control Methods to Protect Your Plants How to Propagate Citronella Plant The easiest way to propagate citronella plant is via cuttings. To do so, take 3- to 5-inch softwood cuttings in the spring from healthy new growth. Remove all but the top few leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a prepared pot of moist, well-drained potting soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location with lots of indirect light for 30 to 45 days. Mist the leaves every few days. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted outside or into a larger container. You can also propagate citronella plant cuttings in water. In the spring or summer, place a healthy 4- to 6-inch cutting in a small container of clean, distilled, or filtered water. You want the nodes submerged, but your container should be shallow enough for the leaves to be above the water level. Place your container in a bright location with lots of indirect sunlight and change the water every 3 to 5 days. Once your cutting forms new roots (about 4 to 6 weeks), move it to a container filled with moist, well-drained potting soil. How to Propagate Houseplants and Expand Your Collection Citronella Plant Companion Plants Beautyberry Laurie Black American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a showstopping shrub that gets its name from a gorgeous display of bright purple berries in the fall. It features lovely green leaves, which last throughout the growing season, and act as a verdant backdrop for both flowers and berries. Beautyberry prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It grows 3 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide in zones 5-10. The low-maintenance shrub is native to the southeastern United States and a popular addition to southern gardens. Crape Myrtle Crape myrtle is another southern favorite that comes in a brilliant array of colors. It grows quickly (in zones 6-10) and thrives in heat, sunshine, and humidity. Like citronella plants, crape myrtles prefer locations with full sun and loamy, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. In warm regions, the flowering shrub can grow up to 25 feet tall. So, plan to prune or place your crape myrtle where it won't cast too much shadow on sun-loving annuals and perennials below. French Marigold Doug Hetherington . A garden favorite for their brightly-colored flowers, French marigolds are easy to grow and care for. Even better, these heat-loving annuals are known for repelling both tiny pests (like whiteflies, tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and thrips) and large pests (like deer). French marigolds bloom in shades of orange, yellow, and red throughout the summer growing season—sometimes even lasting until the first frost. These annuals fare best in full sun and well-drained soil. They make cheerful additions to garden beds and borders and are excellent container plants. Top Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Region Lemongrass Peter Krumhardt. If you are planting citronella for its pest-repelling properties, consider planting lemongrass instead or as a companion plant. The tropical plant (which is native to southeast Asia) is prized for its intense citrus-like scent that doubles as an insect repellent. In warm climates (zones 9-11), it is grown in the garden year-round. Below Zone 9, it is either grown as an annual or planted in containers and overwintered indoors. Lemongrass prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil that can be slightly acidic, neutral, or slightly alkaline. Phlox Jay Wilde. In areas where citronella plant only grows as an annual, phlox is a dependable summer bloom that no sunny flowerbed or border should be without. There are several kinds of phlox to choose from but most grow 6 to 24 inches tall and thrive in full sun and moist, rich soil with excellent drainage. Phlox is hardy in zones 3-8 and a popular plant among pollinators. Rosemary Jerry Pavia Rosemary is a hardworking perennial evergreen shrub (in zones 7-10) that is known for its fragrance and flavor. Like citronella plant, rosemary prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and doesn't like overwatering. Some cultivars grow easily into shrubs that are several feet tall. Others are more compact and perfect for containers. Look for one suitable for your landscape and place it along patio borders where it will drive away pesky insects like flies and mosquitoes. 8 Insect-Repelling Plants that Work Naturally to Send Bugs Packing Frequently Asked Questions Is citronella plant a perennial or annual? Citronella plant is a perennial, but it's only hardy in Zones 9-11. In colder areas, you can either treat your citronella plant like an annual and replace it every year, or you can bring it inside for the winter. Do citronella plants actually repel mosquitoes? While citronella plants contain a small amount of citronellal (the lemony component used in citronella oil products like candles and torches), there isn’t enough of the substance present in the plant alone to have a repellant effect on mosquitoes. For that, consider planting lavender, basil, marigolds, catnip, lemongrass, or lemon balm, all of which are proven to be more effective at deterring pesky pests. Where do I find citronella plant? A member of the scented geranium family of plants, citronella plant is often stocked alongside the herbs in the garden center. Sometimes it will even be labeled as a mosquito plant. Look for a plant that has healthy, deep green leaves. If you can, gently remove the plant from the container and take a peek at the roots. The roots should be bright white and just beginning to reach the edges of the container. Avoid plants that have tightly matted roots along the outer edge of the root ball. My citronella plant is getting leggy. What is happening? If your citronella plant is getting tall, straggly, and leggy, chances are, it is not getting enough sun. Move potted plants to a sunnier location and check the shade around your in-ground citronella plants. Make sure trees, shrubs, and structures aren't blocking the plant's exposure. You can also pinch the plant back at the beginning of the growing season to encourage bushier growth. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Geranium. ASPCA - Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Pelargonium. Pelargonium (Geranium, Scented Geranium) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.