Citronella Care
The citronella is a hardy plant that can add plenty of leafy green foliage to your garden. It is an evergreen plant with small blue or lavender flowers. Though the citronella plant is also called the mosquito plant, it will not repel insects from your garden, nor does it produce citronella oil. Learning more about the care of the citronella plant can help you decide whether it is something you want in your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Location
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The citronella plant is ideally placed in an area that will receive between six and eight hours of sunlight per day, though it will tolerate partial shade. It thrives in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.1 and 7.8. A small amount of air circulation will help this plant thrive. It grows well in garden beds, hanging containers and containers. It will thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Spacing
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When considering where to place the citronella plant, remember that it will grow to a full height that is between 2 and 4 feet. To space these plants adequately in the garden, make sure there is 1 foot of space between each plant and other objects in all directions.
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Considerations
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Citronella plants do their best when the soil is high in nitrogen; a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can be put down to feed them. If you are using organic compost, make sure it is totally broken down before you give it to your citronella. If you would like to keep seeds from your citronella plant, allow the seed heads to dry completely. After that, you can break them off and shake or brush off the seeds.
Watering
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The citronella plant is drought resistant and needs only normal watering. Water it whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. According to Dave's Garden, the citronella plant is suitable for xeriscaping, where no supplemental watering is necessary.
Warning
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The citronella plant does not tolerate frost. Plant it two weeks after the last expected frost, and if you are keeping it as a houseplant over the winter, make sure you dig it up during the fall. Also, the citronella plant is poisonous to pets and is a poor choice for areas where it might come into contact with your animals.
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