Citronella Grass is an indispensable element of any outdoor space – and for good reason ! Not only is this fragrant grass kown for its signature lemony scent , but it also has the index to repel mosquitos and other insect . With its tall , tight - develop nature and ability to thrive in full sun or partially shaded surface area , citronella Gunter Wilhelm Grass is the perfect selection for a natural louse repellent .
However , citronella grass does not come without caution . This evergreen perennial is hardy in USDA plant life hardiness zona 9b through 11 , so if you live in an area with freeze temperatures , you will take to plant it as an annual . It is also important to mark that the stems can bcome quite woody by summer ’s end , so if you want to winter your works you will need to propagate a new one during late summertime months via layer .
When prefer a location for your citronella grass , check that it receives at last six hours of sunshine each daylight so that it can give its full potential drop . Once planted and establish , your citronella grass will help keep pesky bugs away – no harsh chemicals required !
Difference Between Citronella Grass and Lemongrass
No , citronella grass and lemongrass oil are not the same . While they are closely related , citronella grass has crimson colored pseudostems , while lemongrass is all gullible . Citronella sess is also known for its strong scent whch help repel mosquito , while lemongrass has a more subtle citrus aroma .
Does Citronella Grass Require Full Sun?
Yes , citronella grass need full sun or partial shade with at least six hr of sunlight each day . It is a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zone 9b through 11 and is best suited to the West Coast , Southwest , and Southeast of the United States .
Does Citronella Grass Have Yearly Re-Growth?
No , citronella grass is not an evergreen plant perennial in all climate . In zones 9 to 11 , it can return year after year ; however , in sphere where freezing temperature occur , citronella will usually only survive as an annual . Therefore , if you wish well to keep your industrial plant alive thrugh the wintertime months , it is important to propagate a young one during the later summertime month by layering or other agency .
The Growth Speed of Citronella Grass
Yes , citronella pasture mature very quick . It can extend to heights of up to 5 feet in just a few calendar month and the development charge per unit increases exponentially with summer heat . This tight - grow grass is an effective natural defense against mosquitos and other insect due to its signature lemony smell released when crushed .
Is Citronella Grass Toxic to Humans?
No , citronella pasture is not poisonous to humans . It is a natural insect repellent derived from the leaves and stems of the lemongrass industrial plant and is recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) as safe for purpose around citizenry . While there is some potential for cutis irritation , it can be avoided by follow recording label instructions cautiously .
Does Citronella Grass Act as a Mosquito Repellent?
Yes , citronella dope does drive mosquitoes . The inviolable smell of the plant play as a natural deterrent , admonish mosquito activity . In fact , the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommend establish citronella grass to discourage mosquito from entering an area . Citronella sess is one of the most effective raw ingredient used in mosquito repellants and can provide a safe and effective path to protect against mosquito bites .
Should I Prune My Citronella Plant?
Yes , you should cut back your citronella plant . pinch back the stems and foliage will encourage the growth of a more succinct , bushy plant life , and the cuttings can be used in floral bouquet . Pruning regularly will also serve keep your citronella industrial plant healthy and lookig its better .
Can Citronella Plants Survive Winter?
No , citronella can not survive winter . It is a sore plant that will die if exposed to hoarfrost , so it needs to be brought indoors or grown in neighborhood with mild winter .
Is Citronella Harmful to Dogs?
Yes , citronella is toxic to dogs . Citronella candles and oils are a democratic mosquito repellant , but the citronella industrial plant itself is toxic to deary . Exposure to this industrial plant can have skin botheration , disgorgement , looseness , and oter serious wellness exit in dogs . Keep your pet away from citronella products and plants to protect their wellness .
Lifespan of a Citronella Plant
Citronella plants can last for sveral long time when grown in the correct conditions . In zona 9 - 11 , they can grow all year around with minimal attention and concern . However , they may need to be pruned or replaced every few years to keep them looking their best . Additionally , they opt full sun and well - drained soil , so proper tearing and fertilization is necessary to assure their seniority .
Using Citronella During the Winter Months
In the wintertime , it is significant to take special care of your citronella plant life . To winter it , you sould burn it back to between 6 and 8 inches marvelous and then direct it on a gay south- or west - facing windowsill in an area where the temperature will stay between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit . Make certain that this location is unheated so that your plant will not be exposed to extreme temperatures which could cause damage .
Difference Between Citronella Grass and Citronella Plant
The main dispute between a citronella plant and citronella sens is the leafage . Citronella grass ( Cymbopogon citratus ) has completely green foliage , while the citronella plant ( Cymbopogon nardus ) has a red tint to its pseudostems . The pseudostems of the citronella plant life are made up of overlapped groundwork of the leaves , and they await like stems . Citronella grass is oten used as an louse repellant due to its impregnable citrus fruit aroma , while the citronella plant does not have this same effect .
Difference Between Citronella and Lemon Grass
The main departure between lemon yellow grass and citronella is their forcible visual aspect . Lemon skunk has a greenish fundament stem with long , thin leaf and a strong citrus scent . Citronella , on the oter hand , has a red or Battle of Magenta root word radical with short , wide leaf and a slimly milder spirit than stinker grass . In accession , while both flora are natural insect repellants , citronella is more commonly used in candles and spray due to its milder smell .
Can Citronella Grass Grow in Shade?
No , citronella gage ( Cymbopogon spp . ) does not grow in shade . It prefers full sun and nees at least 6 hours of unmediated sunlight each day to thrive . Citronella is a member of the geranium family unit , and is not to be confused with lawful citronella grass , which command verbatim sunlight to develop and is not refinement large-minded .
Conclusion
In conclusion , Citronella Grass is a grandiloquent and fast - grow grass that has a key signature lemony smell when crush . It is a corking natural insect repellant and can be grown as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11 . For those living in colder climates , it can still be arise as an yearly . It require full sun or partial shade for at least six hour each daytime . If you want to winter your plant life , propagate a new one durig the tardy summer months by layer . With its attractive olfactory sensation and power to repel pests , Citronella Grass is definitely worth planting !
Caroline Bates
