Citrosa, Mosquito Plant

Sun Preference
Bright Direct
As low as: $0.00

Description

This variety is a perennial sub-shrub with interesting, ferny, fragrant leaves that are reminiscent of citronella; it is a myth that this plant actually repels mosquitos; small clusters of violet-lavender flowers in summer; a great textural groundcover

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Details

Citrosa Geranium | Pelargonium citrosum

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Other Names:  Scented Geranium, Deodorizer Plant

Description:

This variety is a perennial sub-shrub with interesting, ferny, fragrant leaves that are reminiscent of citronella; it is a myth that this plant actually repels mosquitos; small clusters of violet-lavender flowers in summer; a great textural groundcover

Ornamental Features

Citrosa Geranium's attractive fragrant ferny palmate leaves remain green in color throughout the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. It features bold clusters of lightly-scented violet flowers with lavender overtones at the ends of the stems from late spring to early fall. The flowers are excellent for cutting.

Landscape Attributes

Citrosa Geranium is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep. Trim off the flower heads after they fade and die to encourage more blooms late into the season. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Citrosa Geranium is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting
  • Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Citrosa Geranium will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Citrosa Geranium is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

More Information

Sun Preference Bright Direct
Mature Height (Range) 13" - 24"
Mature Spread (Range) Under 12"

Product Questions (9)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
Root stimulators provide a hormone to the root system to recover faster from any damage done during the transplant process. This will also help the roots grow faster and stronger. To view Gertens recommended root stimulator, click ...
Full sun is six or more hours of direct sunlight (Note: afternoon sun is the hottest). West side: plants that like it hot and dry.  Part sun is four to six hours of sunlight including some afternoon...
Mulch helps stabilizes soil moisture and temperature. Gertens experts recommend Red Cedar mulch, from that fact that the cedar oil repels soft body insects. Place mulch 2 ...
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