Pelargonium citrosum

citronella geranium

Geraniaceae

Garden hybrid — a scented {Pelargonium} selection; the genus is native to South Africa

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Pelargonium citrosum is the citronella geranium, growing 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. Medium green deeply lobed leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) release a citronella-lemon fragrance when touched, brushed, or crushed. Not a true geranium — in Pelargonium spp. (family Geraniaceae spp.), often marketed as 'mosquito plant' or 'citronella plant.' Studies on the repellent efficacy of the intact plant show that the aromatic compounds are not released into the air in sufficient concentration to repel mosquitoes when the plant is sitting undisturbed — the oils are bound in the leaf tissue and require physical crushing to release. Crushed leaf extract applied to skin has some repellent activity, though less than DEET-based products in comparative trials. Small pink-lavender flowers 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) sporadically. Frost-tender: killed by frost. Zones 9–11 outdoors; grown as a summer annual or container plant in cold zones. Full sun to partial shade. Containers of 2–5 gallons (8–20 liters). Well-draining soil — overwatering causes stem rot. Deer-resistant (the aromatic foliage). Non-toxic. Propagates easily from stem cuttings. Whitefly is the primary pest. The lemon-citronella fragrance releases on contact with the foliage.

Native Range

The genus Pelargonium spp. is native to South Africa. 'Citrosum' is a scented hybrid.

Suggested Uses

Grown in containers of 2–5 gallons (8–20 liters), borders, and along walkways where the foliage is brushed in passing. Full sun to partial shade. Frost-tender — bring indoors before frost in cold zones. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic.

How to Identify

Identified by deeply lobed medium green leaves that release a citronella-lemon fragrance when touched or crushed. Not a true geranium — Pelargonium spp.. Often marketed as 'mosquito plant,' though the intact plant does not release sufficient volatile compounds to repel mosquitoes passively.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer

Small pink-lavender flowers sporadically. The citronella-scented foliage is the year-round feature — fragrance releases on contact with leaves.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Lavender-pink, small, in clusters — secondary to the aromatic foliage

Foliage Description

Medium green, deeply lobed, INTENSELY LEMON-CITRONELLA SCENTED when touched or brushed — the signature fragrance

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil — stem rot in wet conditions. Frost-tender — bring indoors before frost. Propagates from stem cuttings. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Whitefly. The aromatic oils require physical contact to release.