Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant
Citronella Mosquito Plant

Citronella Mosquito Plant

Pelargonium citrosum ‘van Leenii’
  • Natural Citrus Aroma: Classic citronella mosquito plant fragrance for patio comfort
  • Patio Powerhouse: Compact, container-ready citronella geranium plant for decks & seating areas
  • Easy, Sun-Loving Grower: Thrives in partial to full sun; simple care in beds or pots
$29.99
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The Citronella Mosquito Plant (Pelargonium citrosum ‘van Leenii’)—often called the citronella geranium plant—is a fragrant favorite among mosquito repellent plants. Loved for its bright, citrusy scent and lacy foliage, this compact performer shines in containers near outdoor seating where the aroma is most noticeable. If you’re searching for citronella plants for sale or citronella plant for sale “near me,” our nursery-grown 1 Gallon plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. While no plant can replace proven repellents, brushing the leaves helps release oils that can help repel mosquitoes at close range—perfect as part of an integrated, natural approach to outdoor comfort.

Citronella Mosquito Plant Highlights

Natural Mosquito Deterrence: Releases a citrus scent that helps mask human odors; rub leaves to intensify fragrance near seating areas

Perfect for Patios: Compact size for rail planters, balcony boxes, and table-side pots

Fast, Lush Growth: Attractive, deeply cut foliage that responds well to light pruning

Sun-Loving: Performs best with 6+ hours of sun; appreciates light afternoon shade in hot zones

Nursery Fresh: Shipped in 1 Gallon containers from our Florida nursery

Citronella Plant Care

Grow your citronella mosquito repellent plant in partial to full sun and well-draining soil. Keep potted plants evenly moist during the growing season, watering when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce watering slightly in cooler weather. Hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 9–11, it’s commonly grown as a warm-season annual or overwintered indoors in cooler climates.

Sunlight: 6+ hours of sun; provide afternoon shade in hot southern zones

Watering: Water when the top 1" of soil is dry; don’t let pots stay soggy

Soil: Well-draining potting mix or garden soil amended with compost

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring/summer with a balanced fertilizer

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors (annual elsewhere)

Light: Bright sun indoors (south or west window); supplement with grow lights if needed

Watering: Water when the top inch dries; reduce in winter to prevent root rot

Humidity: Average home humidity is fine; ensure good air circulation

Temperature: Keep above 55°F; protect from drafts and cold windows

Pruning: Pinch tips to keep plants bushy and to release more fragrance

Pests: Generally easy; watch for aphids or whiteflies and treat early if seen

Maintenance Tip: Place plants upwind of seating so breezes carry the citrus aroma across your patio

Citronella Plant Care Guide

Expert Grower’s Tips for Citronella (Geranium)

Advice from our growing experts

Scent Strategy

Scent Strategy

Situate containers beside chairs, doors, and walkways; gently rub or bruise a few leaves right before guests arrive to boost aroma.

Sun = Stronger Oils

Sun = Stronger Oils

Give plants full sun for the most robust growth and fragrance; a touch of afternoon shade helps foliage stay fresh in extreme heat.

Part of a System

Part of a System

Use citronella alongside fans, screens, and repellents for best mosquito management—plants are a helpful complement, not a replacement.

These tips are based on 30+ years of professional growing experience at our Florida nursery.

Citronella Mosquito Plant FAQ

Grow your citronella mosquito plant in partial to full sun with well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, keeping containers evenly moist through hot spells without letting them sit in water. Pinch tips to keep plants compact and to release more fragrance, and feed monthly during the warm season for steady growth.

Citronella’s citrus aroma can help deter mosquitoes at close range, especially when leaves are rubbed to release oils. Think of it as a helpful complement to other defenses rather than a silver bullet—pair it with fans, screens, and approved repellents for best results. Place plants near seating and upwind so breezes carry the scent across your gathering area.

The citronella plant is not pet friendly, and ingestion can cause stomach upset—keep pots where pets can’t nibble. As with any ornamental, teach children not to chew leaves and wash hands after handling. If you have curious pets, consider placing containers on stands or using barriers to limit access.

Citronella is perennial in USDA Zones 9–11, where winters are mild. In cooler regions it’s grown as a warm-season annual or overwintered indoors in a sunny window. Before the first frost, take cuttings or bring containers inside, trimming lightly to fit bright indoor spots.

In containers, citronella generally stays 12–24 inches tall with a similar spread (your 1 Gallon plants arrive about 12–16 inches tall including the 6" pot). It’s perfect beside patio chairs, doors, and grills where scent matters most. Cluster several containers for a stronger aroma perimeter around seating.

Right here—browse our citronella plants for sale and order nursery-grown citronella geranium plants shipped from Florida (contiguous U.S., excluding AK & HI). If you’re searching “citronella plant near me” or “where to buy citronella plants,” we make it simple with direct-to-door delivery. Stock is seasonal, so add to cart early for peak patio season.

Hear it from them

★★★★★

WOW!!! This is a real milkweed plant, healthy as all get up! Well packaged! Love that it's a Plant Box!!! Delivery person can see clearly that they should handle safely and deliver it asap!!! My caterpillars will have lots of food so they can grow to be beautiful Monarchs 😍

Ingi
New Bern, NC
★★★★★

Tropical Plant came through with the shipping. I ordered this plant the night of July 24th it was shipped 25, 2025 and delivered July 27th...OUTSTANDING! The Thai Constellation I ordered arrived in awesome condition. Very healthy and lush. Suffice it to say I will be ordering from this shop again. Top notch across the board.

William
Galveston, TX
★★★★★

This shop has the most fantastic, healthy, gorgeous plants. I am a repeat customer and have never been disappointed. In fact the plants have always exceeded my expectation and plants are often much larger than expected. Packaging is some of the most professional I've seen, with not one leaf damaged. I'll be back for more.

Kelly
Phoenix, AZ
★★★★★

Beautiful healthy plant and great size too! This is my first purchase and I couldn’t be happier. Now I need the tree version. Thank you for such a great plant.

Paula
Chicago, IL
★★★★★

Okay so if you are looking for a happy healthy plant. This is who to get it from. It has already started blooming again. I've already had two neighbors ask where I got it from and referred them to you. Cannot recommend this seller enough

Philip
Crofton, MD
★★★★★

Gorgeous plant, arrived perfect and healthy. I keep coming back as this nursery delivers perfection every time. Very quick shipping and expertly packed. The best!!

large croton petra plant for sale #size_3-gallon
Hilary
Bellingham, WA