Do citronella plants really keep mosquitoes away?
Do citronella plants really keep mosquitoes away?
Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don’t repel mosquitoes. It’s the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. You would have to crush the leaves to extract these oils.
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
8 Best Plants To Keep Mosquitoes Away
- Basil. The humble, beautiful basil plant is a natural mosquito beater as these flying felons can’t stand that sweet smell.
- Catnip. While it might be heaven for cats, catnip is absolute hell for mosquitoes.
- Citronella.
- Lavender.
- Lemon Balm.
- Lemon Thyme.
- Marigolds.
- Rosemary.
What bugs do citronella plants keep away?
Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass (or lemon grass) is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Are citronella plants easy to take care of?
Citronella Plant Care takes minimal effort. These mosquito repelling plants are extremely low maintenance. Just water them deeply when the soil dries. They do well in full or part sun.
Does citronella come back every year?
An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur. In addition, the stems can become quite woody by summer’s end. If you want to overwinter your plant, propagate a new one during the late summer months by layering.
Can you plant lavender and citronella together?
Citronella. Citronella has long been favored as one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes. Outdoor candles and bug sprays are often made with its oils. You can plant citronella grass right into your garden, and optimize its efficiency by planting it near other repelling plants, like lavender.
Can you keep a citronella plant over the winter?
These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost. In warm climates where frost does not occur, citronella plants can remain outdoor year-round. In colder regions, plants may be moved inside for the winter until warmer temperatures return.
Where should I place my citronella plant?
Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States.
Are citronella plants annuals or perennials?
perennial
Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States. In other zones, they can be brought inside during the winter or left outside as an annual.