Usually available: April to November

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 90cm
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Scented Geranium Citronella Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name:

Scented Geranium ‘Citronella’ is a large and robust plant reaching up to 90cm in height. It has an upright bushy, growth habit and a leaf structure similar to Pelargonium graveolens. The darkish green leaves are quite coarse and have deeply divided lobes, with crinkled and serrated edges. In some cases, the lobes are quite thin and lace like. The long blooming flowers are lavender to pink, with the top two petals being larger and decorated with a double ‘brush mark’ of deep crimson and bright pink. This plant can benefit from pruning since it may become branch and sprawl, becoming too ‘leggy’ if left to overgrow.

The scent is of citronella or a citrus lemon like fragrance and is released as the leaves are brushed against or crushed in the hands. Most gardeners are happy simply to have the plant for the gentle aroma that it brings to the garden setting. Although this plant does not have real value as an insect repellent, if the leaves are crushed and rubbed on the skin, the essential oils may help to repel insects from the skin for a short period. Scented Geranium ‘Citronella’ does contain small amounts of citronella oil, but more is found in Geranium ‘Dr Livingstone’. If true insect repelling plants are required the Cymbopogon genus is the source of the true essential oil.

In some countries, particularly North America this plant is marketed as Pelargonium citrosa (citrosum), ‘Citrosa’ or Citronella Mosquito Plant. However, the former are not true botanical names and the plant does not repel insects. In the 1980’s Dutch scientist, Dirk Van Leeni, released this variety as an insect repelling plant. He claimed that it was a genetically engineered cross between Rose Scented Geranium - Pelargonium graveolens and the Cymbopogon species, Chinese Lemon Grass. However, this was later proved to be false with the plant analysed and found to contain no distinct genetic material.

It is likely that this is a variety or natural hybrid of Pelargonium graveolens, with a citronella like scent. Note that this plant is not the wild type Pelargonium citronella, which has oak like leaves, with large triangular shaped lobes. Many gardening writers still record this as a hybrid between two different species based on the earlier claims. However, due to the marketing name, many gardeners believe this to be ‘the citronella plant’ and buy it for use as an insect repellent. An internet search for citronella will often provide pages of geranium references. The citronella essential oil used for insect repellent is collected from the Cymbopogon genus, which includes commonly known lemongrass.

Further information on growing conditions and uses for Rose Scented Geraniums and related varieties may be found below.

Pelargonium General Notes

Pelargoniums are evergreen perennials, sharing many common characteristics with the Geranium species. They range in height from 30- 100cm and may be categorized based on varying leaf shapes, such as crinkled, oak or fern leaf shapes. The leaf colour may vary from deep to light green, with flowers generally held in loose clusters. Most prefer to grow in full sun and they are also drought and heat tolerant. However, some varieties do require some shade and moist conditions where possible. Many grow near streams in their native habitats, but generally ‘less is more’ is a good guideline for watering these plants. They do not like to be damp at all.

This group of plants were initially catalogued by Linnaeus into the same Genus as Geraniums, but were separated into separate genera in 1789. Pelargoniums were taken to England in 1631, but it is likely they were transported to Holland in the earlier 1600’s. Since early times various varieties have been developed and many are now cultivated commercially for the essential oils used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

The Pelargonium genus is one of five in the family Geraniaceae, which has over 800 species. This includes the separate Geranium genus, which often causes confusion since ‘geranium’ is also used as a common name for the many Pelargonium species and cultivars. There is thought to be 270 species of Pelargonium, with 219 being native to South Africa. Among these, there is a number of genera or subtypes of pelargonium based on features such as leaf type. Of this selection about 80% are native only to select areas in the southern regions of South Africa. The remaining 20% are found in Australia, New Zealand and a few select areas such as Madagascar and Eastern Africa. There are now cultivated varieties all over the world, most with origins in South Africa. The true Geranium species is a hardy group of plants native to North America and Europe.

The Geranium plant family is an important food source for certain Lepidoptera species in their native regions. For more information on our other Scented Geranium listings.

Growing Conditions

Most pelargoniums enjoy full sun, but Rose Scented Geranium is one variety that requires more shelter. Pelargonium graveolens grows very well in semi-shaded positions and is good as a filler plant in larger gardens. It requires a moist, but not damp environment, with well- drained soil.

This plant also grows well in containers and hanging baskets. In cold regions it may even be taken indoors, but may be better treated as an annual if this is not possible. Although, not very tolerant of frost some plants may die down and return when the weather warms in spring. It may be propagated by tip or stem cuttings taken in autumn or spring. Seed may be sown at almost any time of the year, especially in warmer climates.

Culinary Uses

Pelargoniums are usually suitable for culinary use, particularly the leaves and flowers. They may be used for herbal teas and to sweeten and scent desserts such as cakes and jelly. The most commonly used are those with rose, lemon and peppermint scents. Leaves may be cut and placed in ice cube trays for later use in iced tea or other suitable cold drinks.

A tea infusion may be made using 3 teaspoons of freshly chopped leaves, or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves, and 1 cup (250mls) of boiling water. Let the leaves steep, strain and then drink as needed. There are several varieties suitable for a tea infusion, but it may be a matter of taste.

Medicinal Uses

Many South African varieties of Pelargonium have a history of traditional medicine use by local tribes. General traditional use has included treatment for digestive and respiratory ailments, wounds, burns, ulcers and abscesses, cold sores and sore throats. The active chemicals are slightly astringent so they are good for skin care, oily skin and cleansing the pores. Overall the pelargonium species are seen as having value for creating a relaxing and uplifting feeling, while calming nerves, anxiety and aiding depression. There is also value for use in premenstrual tension and for those seeking an essential oil for creating a soothing and balancing effect on the body. Different varieties may have different effects.

The strongly scented Rose Scented Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, is one of the best plants in this genus for traditional medicine use. Several active chemicals, in this species, have been determined to be beneficial for having antibiotic effects and nerve pain relief. Research has indicated it is helpful for nerve pain associated with shingles. It is thought to also have a soothing effect on the skin when used to bath rashes, skin irritations or simply used in bath water.

Other Uses

Many of the scented pelargonium species and varieties are cultivated especially for their use in perfumery, aromatherapy and massage therapy. Rose Scented Geranium is often used as a substitute for the more expensive Rose of Attar. The oil is extracted from the leaf and stems of the plant.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.