Citronella Grass

However, citronella as we think of it is actually an essential oil produced by the leaves and stems of lemongrass plants. A completely different plant, the Cymbopogon (lemongrass) genus, produces the perfumed oil. Citronella plants (or Pelargonium citrosum) are commonly thought to be the best at repelling mosquitos.

What is citronella grass good for?

Citronella Products Herbal folklore records Citronella's uses as a fever reducer, insect repellent, anti-parasitic and as a soothing agent for pain, inflammation and skin healing. It has a long history of use as an ingredient in perfumes, soaps and natural deoderizers.

Does citronella grass need full sun?

Ensure that the mature plant gets sufficient sunlight. Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.

Does citronella grass come back every year?

Citronella Grass It is a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. In other areas, it is grown as an annual because it dies back during winter.

Is citronella grass poisonous to humans?

The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.

Is citronella grass safe to eat?

Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are often confused. Though they look similar, it's important to distinguish between these two ornamental grasses since lemongrass is edible, while citronella grass is not.

Is citronella grass toxic to dogs?

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

Does citronella grass repel bugs?

So, here are a few scented plants that actually have insect-repelling qualities when used correctly: Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and citronella grass (C. nardus) have proven mosquito-repelling abilities thanks to the citronella oil contained within their leaves.

Will citronella grass keep mosquitoes 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.

What bugs do citronella plants keep away?

Citronella Geranium They are called the mosquito plant, and they give off a scent mosquitoes don't like. And they are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.

Is citronella grass easy to grow?

Citronella plants are easy to grow and will make a great addition to any garden. Grow them once the winter frost has passed so you'll have mature plants before summer.

Will citronella survive winter?

Winter Citronella Plant Care These bug repelling plants do not tolerate low temperatures or frost. But they can be kept indoors as a houseplant once temperatures drop.

Can I leave the citronella plant outside in the winter?

To overwinter your citronella plant indoors, move it into your home when night temperatures dip to 45℉ in the fall. If citronella remains outside when temperatures fall much below that point, it will have a hard time adjusting to indoor growing conditions.

Do you cut back citronella in the fall?

Pruning Citronella Plants Prune citronellas at any time. Deadhead and pinch off small stems to encourage more blooms. Save the branches for vases or use the leaves like edible geranium leaves.

What do you do with a citronella plant in the winter?

How do you overwinter citronella?

1. Cut the plant back to between 6 and 8 inches tall.
2. Set it on a sunny south- or west-facing windowsill in a location where the temperature remains between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit during winter—such as an unheated sunporch or garage. Move it to a warmer location in spring.

Is citronella safe to touch?

When applied to the skin: Citronella oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin as an insect repellent. It might cause skin reactions or irritation in some people. When inhaled: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to inhale citronella oil. Lung damage has been reported.

What happens if a dog licks citronella?

Citronella Dangers for Dogs If a dog ingests citronella, stomach irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological abnormalities may occur. Sprays and oils can cause skin irritation if they touch your pet's skin or paws for an extended period of time, and they may cause eye irritation if contact occurs.

Why do bugs hate citronella?

Oil of citronella repels target pests rather than killing them. It works by masking scents that are attractive to insects. Thus, insects find it difficult to locate their target to feed. Oil of citronella may also work by masking odors attractive to animals.

Is citronella toxic to burn?

One of the big benefits of citronella oil is that it is a non-toxic method of repelling insects. Meaning that it is safer than many of the alternatives.

Does citronella repel ants?

Oil extracted from the lemon eucalyptus tree is another natural insect repellent. It contains citronella, used in candles to repel mosquitoes and other flying bugs. Anecdotal evidence indicates it may also be effective at repelling ants.