The citronella plant is a geranium with soft lavender flowers. It grows to a height of 2 feet and its foliage, when crushed, has the scent of citronella.
Features
The citronella plant grows well in containers or in a sunny spot in the garden. It is cold-intolerant, so plant it after all danger of frost has passed.
Considerations
This plant is sometimes sold in nurseries as a "mosquito plant," or Pelargonium citrosum. Despite marketing claims that the plants will protect against mosquitoes, university studies cited by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension have proven otherwise.
Sources
Online shoppers can find citronella plants at Hirts Gardens, Amazon and FragrantFields websites. Because the plant is erroneously marketed as a mosquito repellent, if you live in an area that is troubled with mosquitoes your local gardening centre may carry the plant. If not, ask if it can be special ordered.