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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsGrowing citronella grass can add height, texture and aromatic foliage to a garden, and its leaves are a source of oil used in scented products. But planting it around a patio is not a reliable way to keep mosquitoes away. This article is about citronella grass, Cymbopogon nardus—not citronella-scented geranium or culinary lemongrass.
Does planting citronella keep mosquitoes away?
No. Citronella grass is not a dependable stand-alone mosquito repellent when it is simply growing in a garden. The oils associated with repellency must be extracted and used in concentrated form; the plant’s presence or fragrance alone does not establish protection from bites. The University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program says aromatic plants marketed for this purpose are ineffective, and UF/IFAS Extension explains that the compounds have little effect while sitting in the garden: UF/IFAS Extension, August 6, 2025; UC IPM.
The evidence base also has an important limitation: Clemson Cooperative Extension reports that a review of 62 studies on plant essential oils and Anopheles repellency included 6 field studies and 56 laboratory studies, and none examined landscape plantings. That does not support a claim that planting citronella around a home prevents mosquito bites: Clemson Cooperative Extension, 2025.
For bite prevention, UC IPM recommends repellents with established active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, used according to label directions, and reducing standing water. It notes that citronella candles and allethrin coils work best outdoors where there is little air movement. UNH Cooperative Extension describes citronella as “a natural product with limited repellence to mosquitoes”; that characterization is not a promise of a particular product’s performance or duration: UNH Cooperative Extension.
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- Beautiful - Individual packets of herbs and flowers including Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Crackerjack Marigold (Tagetes erecta), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), and Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). These varieties look stunning while protecting the garden!
- Useful - Varieties that can be used as companion plants in the garden or planted in pots on your deck or porch to deter pesky insects and pests.
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Four benefits of growing citronella grass
1. It brings height and a bold clumping form
Cymbopogon nardus is a clumping perennial grass. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources gives its mature size as about 5–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, making it a substantial feature rather than a small edging plant. Leave room for its eventual spread and check how it performs in your local conditions: UC ANR, 2020; NParks.
2. Its leaves add fragrance to a sensory garden
UC ANR describes citronella grass as aromatic. That makes it a possible choice for a garden where foliage scent is part of the experience. The fragrance is a sensory feature, not evidence that nearby air will repel mosquitoes.
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- Citronella Mosquito plants (Citrosa Geranium) are a beautiful plant for your yard, patio, pool area, or garden
- These lemony-scented citronella plants cover an area up to 10 square feet. They require little tending and grow to about 4 feet high if the season allows
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3. It is a source of oil used in scented products
Oil from citronella grass is used in some repellent products, and UC ANR also notes uses in soaps and candles. The distinction matters: these uses involve extracted oil, not a guarantee that growing the plant produces a mosquito-control effect in the garden. UNH identifies both C. nardus and C. winterianus as sources of citronella material: UNH Cooperative Extension; UC ANR, 2020.
4. It can grow quickly in a suitable site or container
NParks records citronella grass as fast-growing, with a preference for bright but filtered light and moderate water in its Singapore context. Those details offer a useful starting point, not a universal care prescription. UC ANR notes that it can be grown as an annual in colder regions, while its eventual size makes container choice important. The cited sources do not establish a universal hardiness zone, frost threshold or overwintering method: NParks; UC ANR, 2020.
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- READY TO PLANT: Includes 2 Citronella Mosquito Plants (Pelargonium ‘Citrosum’) in 4" nursery pots—well-rooted and ready to grow, measuring at least 5” tall at delivery. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance may occur.
- ABOUT THIS PLANT: A highly fragrant sub-shrub prized for its lush foliage and refreshing lemon-citronella scent, forming a bushy upright habit reaching 2–4 ft tall and wide, with delicate pink spring flowers, thriving in USDA Zones 9–11.
- USES & BENEFITS: Perfect for patio containers, garden borders, and landscape accents, this plant adds aromatic greenery and pollinator-friendly blooms to any indoor or outdoor spaces, releasing a strong citrus aroma when brushed or touched and naturally repelling mosquitoes.
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Make sure you are buying the right plant
“Citronella” can refer to different plants. For the grass discussed here, look for the botanical name Cymbopogon nardus. UC ANR distinguishes citronella grass from citronella geranium (Pelargonium), while NParks distinguishes it from culinary lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). A plant sold under a familiar common name may not be the species associated with citronella oil: UC ANR, 2020; NParks.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan for its size and your climate
Use the reported mature dimensions—about 5–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide—as a space-planning reference, not a guarantee for every site. The available care information is limited: NParks’ bright-filtered-light and moderate-water notes reflect its Singapore record, and UC ANR says the grass may be grown as an annual in colder regions. The cited sources do not specify a universal soil pH, frost limit or overwintering procedure, so check local growing guidance before choosing a permanent planting spot.
Quick Recap
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- Lemon Grass on Hand - Fresh, homegrown lemon grass adds a delicious aroma and zesty flavor to stir-fries, marinades, and other Asian dishes. This herb can also be used to make a refreshing herbal tea.
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