Citronella
Pelargonium 'citrosum' — the lemon-scented "mosquito plant" geranium.
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Origin
Section titled “Origin”Not citronella grass (Cymbopogon) but a scented-leaf pelargonium whose foliage smells like it. ‘Citrosum’ is a garden hybrid of South African pelargoniums: sun-hungry, drought-tolerant once established, helpless against frost.
Location
Section titled “Location”Full sun to bright indirect, 50–86 °F. Bring it inside before the first cold night and give it a bright, cool window for the winter.
Watering
Section titled “Watering”Water about every five days, letting the top few centimeters dry out first. Balanced liquid feed at half strength every four weeks, April to September.
Pruning
Section titled “Pruning”Prune back hard in March as the first new shoots show — it gets leggy without. The smaller top is what makes the spring root trim safe.
Repotting
Section titled “Repotting”Yearly with the spring prune: shave a few centimeters off the root ball and return it to the same pot with fresh mix. Cuttings root readily in early autumn — cheaper insurance than hauling a large pot through winter.
Home medicine
Section titled “Home medicine”The claim that the plant itself repels mosquitoes has not held up in trials. Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin release citronellal for a short, mild repellent effect — more folk remedy than substitute for the real thing. The scented leaves also work in potpourri and drawer sachets.