Information about Citronella

What do you need to know.....

Many people believe that the citronella geranium plant can help to repel mosquitoes in areas where it grows. Pelargonium citrosum, as this plant is called in the botanical world, is an attractive, strong-smelling geranium with small lavender flowers that bloom in summer. Citronella is classified as a tender perennial, meaning that it will behave like an annual if grown outdoors in areas that receive frost or snow in the cooler months of the year.

Because citronella is a pretty plant, smells good and reportedly deters mosquitoes, it is popular as a potted patio plant. Its large, scalloped leaves, small lavender flowers and controllable size make it a favorite choice for plantings where people gather outdoors in the summer. Citronella will grow to only about three feet in height and can ramble over the sides of its container. Its leaves tend to turn yellow and drop, but it is fairly simple to keep the plant looking tidy by simply pinching off dying leaves or collecting leaves that have fallen off the plant.

History of Citronella plants....

Citronella oil, made from an Asian grass, was used in hair oil. Because of this, people discovered in 1901 that it helped to repel mosquitoes. The citronella geranium is not found in nature, but was "invented" for mosquito control by botanists who hybridized citronella grass with a scented African geranium.