Pelargonium 'Citronella', also known as citronella geranium, is a fragrant perennial prized for its lemon-scented foliage and colorful blooms. Native to South Africa, this cultivar features deeply lobed, green leaves with a citrusy aroma that naturally repels mosquitoes and other insects. In summer, 'Citronella' produces clusters of pink or lavender flowers, adding to its visual appeal. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is ideal for containers, borders, or as a natural insect repellent near outdoor seating areas. With its fragrant foliage and practical benefits, citronella geranium adds beauty and functionality to garden landscapes, providing a pleasant and pest-free outdoor environment.
Pelargonium ‘Citronella’, also known as citronella geranium, is a fragrant perennial celebrated for its lemon-scented, deeply lobed green leaves and colorful blooms. This cultivar produces clusters of pink or lavender flowers in the summer, which enhance its visual appeal. The citrusy aroma released by the leaves not only adds a refreshing touch to garden landscapes but also serves a practical purpose by repelling mosquitoes and other insects. Its vibrant green foliage and the delightful contrast of its blooms make citronella geranium a captivating addition to any garden, combining beauty with natural functionality.
Mosquito-Repelling Plant Features
Lemon-Scented Colorful Foliage
Attractive Summer Flower Clusters
Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces
Native to South Africa, Pelargonium ‘Citronella’ thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for various garden settings including containers, borders, and outdoor seating areas. This plant is particularly effective when placed near areas where people gather, as its scent helps to deter mosquitoes and other pests, enhancing outdoor comfort. Suitable for warmer climates or regions with limited water availability, ‘Citronella’ is also a great choice for herb gardens or vegetable gardens as a companion plant, where it can continue to repel pests and contribute to a healthier garden environment.
Effective in Herb, Vegetable Gardens
Ideal for Hanging Baskets
Suitable for Containers, Borders
Fragrant Addition to Gardens
Pelargonium ‘Citronella’ is not only ornamental but also highly functional due to its natural insect-repelling properties. The fragrant leaves can be crushed and rubbed on the skin as a natural alternative to chemical insect repellents, providing effective protection against mosquitoes. Additionally, planting ‘Citronella’ in garden beds or containers near outdoor seating areas can help create a pest-free environment, allowing for more enjoyable outdoor living spaces. Beyond its use as a repellent, ‘Citronella’ geraniums can also be incorporated into hanging baskets or flower beds, where their scent and color contribute to both the aesthetics and functionality of garden designs, making them a dual-purpose choice for gardeners.
