Citronella "Mosquito Plant" (1 Gallon)

Citronella Plant: The Porch Protector with a Pleasant Scent

With lacy green leaves and a fresh, lemony fragrance, the Citronella Plant (Pelargonium citrosum) is more than just pretty—it’s a time-honored companion for summer evenings on the porch. Often called the mosquito plant, it’s known for its naturally citrusy aroma, which has made it a front porch favorite in Southern gardens for generations.

A Fragrant Touch of Tradition

Though not a true citronella grass, the Citronella Plant is a scented geranium believed to carry some of the same insect-repelling oils. It found its way into our gardens and hearts through word-of-mouth wisdom—passed down like a good lemonade recipe or a tip for keeping pie crusts flaky.

Its finely cut, fern-like foliage is fragrant to the touch, and its upright, bushy form adds a tidy, old-fashioned charm to pots, window boxes, and garden borders.

Where It Grows Best

The Citronella Plant loves warm weather, fresh air, and a good spot near your favorite rocking chair:

• Outdoors: Perfect for porches, patios, and decks, especially in containers that can be moved about. Grows best in zones 9–11, but can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cooler climates.

• Indoors: Thrives in bright, sunny windows with good air circulation. A wonderful winter companion in kitchens or sunrooms.

Place a few near your seating areas, and you’ve got a naturally refreshing presence where it counts.

Caring for Your Citronella Plant

Easygoing and delightfully fragrant, this plant makes itself right at home:

• Light: Needs full sun to part shade. The more sun, the fuller and bushier it grows.

• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t let it stay soggy—well-drained soil is a must.

• Pruning: Pinch or trim regularly to encourage a fuller shape. You can even dry the leaves or use them in sachets.

• Feeding: A light feeding every 4–6 weeks during the growing season will keep it thriving.

Whether you're chasing away mosquitoes or simply enjoying its lovely lemon scent, the Citronella Plant brings both charm and function to your outdoor living space. It’s the kind of plant that reminds us of screen doors, summer twilights, and the quiet wisdom of nature.

Pretty, practical, and perfect for porch life—that’s Citronella, the Wright’s Market way.