Growing Citronella (Mosquito Plant)

Try growing mosquito plant for its good looks and lemony fragrance. When rubbed against the skin, leaves can help repel mosquitoes.

growing mosquito plant (citronella) in a pot

Citronella, often called mosquito plant, is a scented geranium grown for its citrus-scented foliage. When the leaves are crushed, they release fragrant oils that smell wonderful and may help naturally discourage mosquitoes when rubbed on the skin. However, the plant itself does not repel mosquitoes simply by being planted nearby. Citronella has medium green, lacy leaves and grows upright to about 2 to 3 feet tall, making it a great choice for summer borders or for adding contrasting texture in garden beds and large mixed containers.

Quick Guide to Growing Citronella

  • Plant citronella in spring once all chances of frost have passed and the soil is warm. A good rule of thumb is to plant the same time you plant tomatoes.
  • Space citronella 18 to 24 inches apart in an area that receives partial shade and has fertile, well-drained soil.
  • Improve your native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.
  • Check soil moisture every few days and water when the top inch becomes dry.
  • For abundant blooms, feed regularly with a water-soluble plant food.
  • Once mature, prune citronella as necessary and enjoy the fragrant leaves and flowers in summer arrangements.

Soil, Planting, and Care

Plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, about the same time you plant tomatoes. Select a location with a little afternoon shade, and space plants 18 to 24 inches apart. For best results, choose young Bonnie Plants® citronella (also called mosquito plants), which are strong and vigorous.

Though citronella plants are tolerant of a wide range of well-drained soils, moderately rich, moist soil will produce the best growth. Create just that kind of root environment in your garden by mixing 3 inches of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil in with the top 6 inches of the existing soil. If you prefer to grow in pots, fill them with lighter, fluffier Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix, which is good for both indoor and outdoor growing.

Citronella will grow best with a mix of great soil and premium plant food. Feed regularly with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition, which feeds instantly and nourishes the healthy microbes in the soil as well as your plants.

Ideally, you'll want to water whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Good news for gardeners in drought-prone areas, though: Citronella is relatively tolerant of summer stress.

An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur. In addition, the stems can become quite woody by summer's end. If you want to overwinter your plant, propagate a new one during the late summer months by layering. Set a pot filled with potting soil beside your big plant. Bend a stem (still attached to the big plant) gently toward the pot, being careful not to break it. Bury the stem sideways at a point at which a leaf is attached, keeping the growing tip uncovered. Place a rock or piece of brick over the buried stem to hold it in place. After a few weeks, roots will emerge from the stem and grow into the potting soil. At the end of the season (and before frost), cut the stem free from the mother plant and move the new young plant indoors for the winter.

Mosquito plant is actually a scented geranium. The plant produces a pretty pinkish colored blooms in summer.
Mosquito plant is actually a scented geranium. The plant produces a pretty pinkish colored blooms in summer.
The citronella fragrance comes from the plant's leaves. Rub the leaves to release the scent. The lacy shape of the leaves, as well as the fragrance, make it a nice addition to flower arrangements.
The citronella fragrance comes from the plant's leaves. Rub the leaves to release the scent. The lacy shape of the leaves, as well as the fragrance, make it a nice addition to flower arrangements.

Troubleshooting

You will know if a citronella plant does not have enough light, as it will stretch and fall over. Make a mental note to give it more sun next year, then cut back long, lanky branches to bring it back into shape.

Harvest and Storage

Citronella plants respond well to pruning, so don't be afraid to cut branches for inclusion in summer bouquets, especially if you are dining outdoors. The fragrance will be a welcome addition, blending with more floral scents. In addition, the way the leaves are attached to the stem means that one branch of citronella will help hold other flowers in place in the vase.

FAQs

Can I use mosquito plant (citronella) in cooking like other scented geraniums?

Yes—mosquito plant (citronella) can be used in the kitchen like other scented geraniums. Its citrusy leaves can add flavor to jellies, teas, fruit salads, and desserts.

One traditional method is to line the bottom of a cake pan with leaves before pouring in the batter. After baking, the cake picks up the citrus scent and flavor. (Remove the leaves before serving.)

What should I plant with mosquito plant (citronella)?

Pair mosquito plant with sun-tolerant foliage plants and heat-loving flowers. This keeps the container or bed looking full while giving each plant room to grow.

Sun-tolerant caladiums and coleus look great alongside mosquito plant. For flowers, try zinnias, dahlias, shrub roses, hibiscus, vinca, or black-eyed Susans. Just be sure to space plants so none are crowded as they mature.

How do I keep my mosquito plant (citronella) alive through the winter?

Overwinter mosquito plant based on how cold your winters get. In mild climates, you can often cut it back and mulch; in colder areas, bring it indoors in a pot.

If outdoor temperatures won’t drop below the 20s, cut the plant back and mulch well so it can sprout again in spring. If winters are colder, lift the plant with a fork or spade, cut it back, and pot it up. After a week or two, apply a timed-release fertilizer on top of the potting mix. Keep it in bright light and water when the soil begins to dry out. Replant outdoors in spring, trimming any thin or weak indoor growth.