Citronella plant (Pelargonium citrosum) is a fragrant, scented geranium that is grown as an annual in most climates and as a perennial in warm climates. Also called mosquito plant or lemon geranium, it has a strong, citrus-like fragrance that quickly wafts from its crushed leaves. The scent of citronella plant is reminiscent of citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) or its cousin, lemongrass.
Although the plant does not repel mosquitoes and other insects, it is worth growing for its pretty serrated, aromatic leaves and its occasional lavender-pink blooms, as well as its easy care. The citronella plant can also be grown as a houseplant.
Citronella Plant Overview
| Genus Name | Pelargonium citrosum ‘Van Leenii’ |
| Common Name | Citronella Plant |
| Additional Common Names | Mosquito Plant, Scented Citronella Geranium, Lemon Geranium |
| Plant Type | Annual, Perennial |
| Light | Part Sun, Sun |
| Height | 2 to 3 feet |
| Width | 2 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 it afternoon shade. A porch or patio that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is perfect.
Plant it along a walkway where you are likely to brush up against the leaves. Citronella plant 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 six hours each day—and relatively high humidity of at least 40%. Consider placing it in a south-facing kitchen or bathroom window.
How and When to Plant a Citronella Plant
The best planting time is in the spring or fall. Delay planting until after the danger of frost has passed and harden off the plant for two weeks. Dig a hole slightly wider, but just as deep as the plant’s root ball. Remove the citronella plant from its container and ease apart the roots with your fingers. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the original soil. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
Indoor-grown citronella plants can be potted at any time.
When buying a citronella plant, look for one with healthy, deep green leaves. If possible, gently remove the plant from the container and take a peek at the roots. They should be bright white and just beginning to reach the edges of the container. Avoid plants that have tightly matted roots.
Citronella Plant Care Tips
The citronella plant is easygoing and can tolerate some neglect. Here are a few tips to ensure it thrives:
Light
Citronella plants thrive in full sunlight but can withstand some afternoon shade, especially in hot summer climates. For indoor plants, ensure they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to prevent legginess.
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 sun.
Soil and Water
Like most scented geraniums, citronella plant prefers well-drained soil and tolerates dry soil. Avoid wet or boggy growing areas because citronella plants may rot in soggy soil.
Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and water your citronella plant only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Water a potted citronella plant deeply, allowing excess water to flow out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container. Water only when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch.
Temperature and Humidity
Citronella plants fare best in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F with a humidity level between 40% and 70%.
The plants are frost-tender and won’t survive freezing temperatures. To overwinter your citronella plant indoors, promptly move it inside when night temperatures dip to 45°F. Don’t wait—if citronella plants remain outside during cool nights, they will struggle to adjust to indoor growing conditions.
Gradually move your plant outside again in the spring when the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F.
Fertilizer
Citronella, like other scented geraniums, doesn’t require much fertilizer throughout the growing season. Mix a slow-release granular 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 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.
Potting and Repotting
Citronella plant makes an excellent container plant when given at least six hours of sun exposure each day. Plant your citronella plant in a container filled with fast-draining potting mix or equal amounts 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 two to three 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 diameter.
In the spring, as new growth is just beginning, ease the 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 the 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.
Pests and Problems
Citronella plants aren’t prone to serious pest problems, but keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, cabbage loopers, mites, and cankerworms.
In soggy soil, the plant may get root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. To prevent fungal problems, ensure good air circulation by properly spacing plants apart and avoid overhead watering.
How to Propagate Citronella Plant
The ideal way to grow a new citronella plant is through stem cuttings, either in soil or water.
Propagation in Soil
Begin by taking 3- to 5-inch cuttings from healthy new growth in the spring. Remove all but the top few leaves, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining, moist potting soil. Keep it in a warm, bright spot with plenty of indirect light for 30 to 45 days, misting the leaves every few days. Once roots establish, transplant outdoors or into a larger container.
Propagation in Water
For easy water propagation, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting and put it in a shallow container filled with clean, distilled or filtered water. The nodes should be submerged, but make sure the leaves are above the waterline. Keep the container in a location with plenty of indirect sunlight, changing the water every three to five days. New roots will form in about four to six weeks, at which point you can transfer the cutting to a container with moist, well-drained potting soil.
