When designing the perfect patio or outdoor retreat, most people think of flowers, pavers, and furniture – but few consider the power of lemongrass.
Native to tropical climates and widely used in Asian cooking, lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) offers far more than just culinary appeal.
This fragrant, easy-to-grow grass can completely transform your patio into a functional, aromatic, and pest-free sanctuary.
In fact, once you learn the many health, aesthetic, and practical benefits, you might wonder why you haven’t already lined your patio with lemongrass.
What Is Lemongrass?
Lemongrass is a fast-growing, clump-forming tropical plant in the Poaceae (grass) family. With its tall, blade-like leaves and strong citrus scent, it’s both ornamental and useful.
There are over 50 varieties, but the most common ones for home gardens include:
- Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass): Best for culinary use
- Cymbopogon nardus (citronella grass): Used primarily for repelling insects
Both types are fragrant, tall, and effective in outdoor spaces.
1. Natural Mosquito Repellent
Perhaps the biggest and most well-known benefit of planting lemongrass around your patio is its ability to repel mosquitoes.
How It Works:
Lemongrass contains citral and citronellal, two compounds known for their insect-repelling properties. In fact, citronella oil is often extracted directly from lemongrass.
Benefits:
- Naturally keeps mosquitoes and biting insects away
- Reduces your reliance on chemical bug sprays or citronella candles
- Helps protect against mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile, Zika, and dengue
Pro Tip: Crush a few leaves in your hands and rub them on your skin for a quick, natural bug repellent.
2. Fragrant, Aromatic Atmosphere
The fresh, lemony scent of lemongrass is both uplifting and calming, making it perfect for relaxing spaces like patios and porches.
Why It Matters:
- Enhances the ambience of outdoor seating areas
- Naturally deodorizes the surrounding space
- Aroma can help reduce anxiety and stress, offering light aromatherapy
Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner or sipping tea in solitude, lemongrass provides an all-natural fragrance that enhances the mood.
3. Adds Privacy and Greenery
Lemongrass grows quickly and can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet, forming dense, fountain-like clumps that are perfect for creating natural barriers.
Benefits:
- Acts as a privacy screen around patios and porches
- Blocks wind and creates a sense of enclosure
- Offers a lush, tropical aesthetic with minimal effort
If your outdoor space feels too open or exposed, lemongrass can help create a more intimate setting—no fences or walls required.
4. Culinary Uses Right at Your Fingertips
Having lemongrass growing around your patio means you’re always just a few steps away from a fresh, flavorful ingredient.
Uses in Cooking:
- Soups and broths (e.g., Thai tom yum)
- Marinades for chicken, fish, and tofu
- Herbal teas
- Lemongrass syrup for cocktails and desserts
The stalks are aromatic and flavorful, and the tender inner core is edible. A few snips from the garden can instantly elevate your next meal.
5. Lemongrass Is Low-Maintenance and Hardy
Lemongrass is incredibly easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners.
Why It’s Great for Patios:
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Resilient against most pests and diseases
- Grows well in containers or directly in the ground
- Only needs full sun and well-draining soil
Even if you have poor soil or a hot, dry climate, lemongrass will likely thrive with minimal care.
6. Attracts Beneficial Insects (And Keeps the Bad Ones Away)
While lemongrass repels mosquitoes, it can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, depending on your region and whether it flowers.
Additional Perks:
- Keeps pests like whiteflies and aphids away from nearby plants
- May help protect other garden plants by acting as a natural barrier
- Improves garden biodiversity
Your patio garden becomes a healthier ecosystem thanks to lemongrass.
7. It’s Edible AND Medicinal
Lemongrass has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Health Benefits:
- Helps reduce fever and inflammation
- Supports digestion and gut health
- Promotes relaxation and better sleep
- Can help ease respiratory issues and sore throats
You can brew lemongrass tea by boiling the leaves and stalks – great for sipping on the patio during warm evenings or cool mornings.
8. Natural Pest Control for the Entire Garden
If you have flowerbeds, vegetable gardens, or ornamental borders near your patio, lemongrass can serve as a natural pest-repelling companion plant.
Effective Against:
- Mosquitoes
- Ticks
- Flies
- Ants
- Aphids
Its strong smell masks the scent of nearby plants, confusing pests and keeping your garden healthier.
9. Grows Well in Pots for Small Spaces
No yard? No problem. Lemongrass grows exceptionally well in containers, making it ideal for balconies, patios, and apartment gardens.
Container Growing Tips:
- Use a large pot (at least 12–16 inches wide)
- Fill with well-draining soil
- Place in full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Water regularly but don’t over-soak
You can move pots around for decoration or to follow the sun, and even bring them indoors in colder months.
10. Year-Round Enjoyment (Even in Colder Climates)
Lemongrass is a tender perennial, meaning it thrives year-round in zones 9–11, but it can still be grown as an annual or container plant in cooler climates.
In Cold Regions:
- Grow it in pots and bring it indoors before the first frost
- Overwinter it in a bright, sunny window or under grow lights
- Trim back in fall to encourage regrowth in spring
With proper care, lemongrass can thrive year after year, even in places with snow and frost.
How to Plant Lemongrass Around Your Patio
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose the Right Spot: Full sun (6+ hours/day) and well-draining soil
- Plant Spacing: 18–24 inches apart for a dense border
- Prepare the Soil: Mix in compost or organic matter for best growth
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells
- Harvesting: Cut stalks near the base once they reach ½ inch thick
- Pruning: Trim back leaves to prevent overgrowth and maintain a tidy look
Pro Tip: For a more uniform look, plant lemongrass in symmetrical rows or staggered groupings around corners or seating areas.
Companion Plants That Pair Well with Lemongrass
- Lavender: Enhances aroma and also repels pests
- Basil: Benefits from nearby pest protection
- Marigolds: Bright colors and added pest deterrent
- Mint: Spreads well and shares similar growing needs
- Rosemary: Hardy, fragrant, and a pollinator magnet
Combining lemongrass with other herbs and flowers adds color, functionality, and fragrance to your outdoor space.
Common Questions About Lemongrass
Does lemongrass repel snakes?
While not scientifically proven, many gardeners report that lemongrass helps deter snakes, possibly due to its strong citrus smell.
Is lemongrass safe for pets?
In small amounts, yes. But large ingestion may upset stomachs in dogs or cats, so use caution around curious pets.
How long does it take for lemongrass to grow tall?
In warm climates with proper care, lemongrass can reach 3–6 feet tall within 3–4 months.
Can lemongrass survive winter?
Not outdoors in cold climates. However, if potted, it can be overwintered indoors in a sunny location.
Planting lemongrass around your patio isn’t just a gardening trend – it’s a practical, multipurpose strategy that offers real benefits.
From natural mosquito control and stress-reducing fragrance to culinary use and tropical flair, lemongrass enhances your outdoor space in ways that surprise even seasoned gardeners.
