How to Grow Citronella Plant, The Mosquito Plant

About Growing Citronella Plants in Your Garden or on the Deck

Citronella plants are perennial plants grown for their attractive foliage. Additionally, Citronella flowers put on a beautifully attractive display, too. The flowers bloom at various times of the garden season, depending upon where you live as well as a variety of other factors. Also called the Mosquito plant, it is a member of the geranium family. This guide on “How to Grow Citronella Plants” will soon have you chasing the mosquitoes away. It’s easy to grow, too!!

The common belief is that the oil from the fragrant leaves of these plants wards off mosquitos. As a result, many people grow them in flowerpots on their patio or deck. However, the plants do not deter mosquitoes without a little help. Touching or rubbing the leaves gives off a pleasant, lemony scent that deters mosquitoes and other insects. And, if you rub the leaves on your arm or other parts of your body, it offers some protection from mosquitos.

Citronella plants are perennials that are often grown as an annual. They look good in flower gardens and along high-traffic areas and walkways. The plants look great grown in containers on your patio or deck. They grow well in lightly shaded areas, too.

Citronella plants are toxic to dogs and cats.

Important Note: This plant is not the same as Citronella Grass, which is related to Lemongrass.

Citronella Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: Pink, purple, white, yellow, and bi-colors.

Flowers Bloom: April to October, depending upon the region of the country.

Plant Height: Plants grow 12 to 24 inches tall.

Light Requirements: Full to Partial sun.

Ideal Soil pH: 5.8 – 6.5.

Hardiness Zone: 9 – 11.

Toxicity: This plant is toxic to humans and pets.

Native To: South Africa.

Plant Type: Perennial

Botanical Name: Pelargonium Cintronella

Other Names: Mosquito Plant, Citrosa Plant, Citronella Scented Geranium.

Are Citronella Plants Edible?

NO!! All parts of Citronella plants are harmful to humans and pets and should not be consumed.

Medicinal Uses for Citronella Plants

While the plant is considered toxic to humans, when properly prepared, it has several medicinal applications. Some of them are:

It is used as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal medication.
Citronella oil treats rashes and other skin ailments.
Use it to fight parasitic infections.
It promotes wound healing.
The oil is known to lift moods and fight fatigue.

In addition to medicinal applications, Citronella oils are used as an insect repellent, primarily for mosquitoes. Also, the oils are used in candles to repel mosquitoes.

Light Requirements

The plants grow best in full sun. Locate them where they can receive six to eight hours of full sunlight. They will also do well in partial shade. In hotter, southern regions of the country, shade them from the hot afternoon sun.

Citronella Flower Plant Propagation

Citronella plants are propagated in three ways:

Seeds
Root Cutting
Plant Division

Root cuttings are a popular way to make new Citronella plants. It is best done in the spring to early summer when the mother plant is vigorously growing. Take a six-to-eight-inch section of a young stem. Plant it in moist garden soil with at least one leaf node planted below the soil, and one leaf node above the soil. Keep the soil moist. In a few weeks, you will see active growth on the new plant. More on propagation from cuttings and rooting

Plant division is most successful in the spring. Dig up the plant. Separate it into clumps and replant it. Learn about Plant Division and Root Separation

Final Plant Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart

Days to Seed Germination: Plants sprout in 7 to 10 days.

About Seed Germination

How to Grow Citronella Flower Plants

Citronella plants are fun and easy to grow. This plant is a tender perennial. Make the first planting after all danger of frost has passed.

Citronella plants grow best in deep, fertile soil that is well-drained. Mix in a generous amount of compost at the planting site.

After planting in the garden, spread a thick, 3 – 4-inch layer of mulch around the plant. The mulch helps to retain soil moisture, and it helps to keep the weeds down. Also, it feeds the plant as the mulch breaks down.

Young plants need moist but not set soil. Water the plants as needed. Allow the top of the soil to dry an inch or two deep between watering. Mature plants are somewhat drought-tolerant and need less water to thrive.

The plants benefit from a regular fertilizer regimen all season long. Fertilize the plants once per month during the growing season. For container plants use a liquid fertilizer or fertilizer spikes.

Pruning Citronella Plants

As with any other plant, remove any dead, sick-looking, or diseased leaves and stems. Prune plants to give them a bushier appearance. If the plant is growing too lanky or too tall, pinch back the growing tips.

Deadhead spent blooms. This will encourage new blooms and help to keep the plant neat and tidy in appearance. This also encourages new flower buds to appear.

More on deadheading spent flower blooms.

Insects and Plant Disease

Citronella plants can be bothered by aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, and whiteflies.

Obviously, the Mosquito plant is not bothered by mosquitoes.

This plant is virtually disease-free.

Also see: Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

Citronella Plant Problems

Watch for these occasional problems:

Browning leaves is the result of too much direct sunlight.
Brown spots on leaves are caused by either too much water or the soil is too wet.
Drooping leaves is a result of either not enough sunlight or not enough water.

Overwintering Citronella Plants

In warmer regions of the country, they are grown outdoors year-round. A layer of mulch around the plant helps to protect the roots if the temperature can go below freezing.

In colder regions dig up the plants (if they weren’t container-grown), and plant them into a flowerpot. Then, overwinter them in a garage or greenhouse shed. Keep the soil slightly moist. Bring them back outdoors when the weather warms in your area in the spring.

Many people bring Citronella plants indoors for the winter months. Check carefully, to ensure you are not bringing any bugs in with your plants. Grow them in light, partial shade.