Does Home Depot sell Citronella plants
Rachel Ross
Published Apr 23, 2026
Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don’t repel mosquitoes. It’s the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. … Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes.
Does citronella plant repel mosquitoes?
Despite the claims made on “Mosquito Plants” (lemon-scented geranium or “citronella plant”) sold at big box stores, the plants themselves don’t repel mosquitoes. It’s the oil inside the leaves that have properties that can repel mosquitoes. … Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes.
Do citronella plants return 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. Citronella grass grows best in full sun and is propagated by clump division.
Can you buy citronella plants?
Citronella Plant can be ordered at GardencentreKoeman.co.uk throughout the whole United Kingdom.Where is the best place to plant a citronella plant?
Place your citronella plant in full sun or a partially shaded area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Citronella geraniums will survive outdoors year-round as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9b through 11—i.e. much of the West Coast, the Southwest, and the Southeast of the United States.
Are citronella plants toxic to dogs?
Citronella is toxic to pets 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.
Can you plant citronella in the ground?
Citronella is a perennial ‘clumping’ grass which grows to a height of 5 – 6 feet. It can be grown directly in the ground in climate zones where frost does not occur. … True citronella is safe when crushed and applied to the skin, but it is most effective when applied as an oil.
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
- Citronella. Often labeled as “mosquito plants” in big-box stores, this leafy plant is actually a type of geranium. …
- Lavender. Lavender oil’s fragrant smell can help deter mosquitoes by preventing them from locating hosts.
- Marigolds. …
- Rosemary, thyme, & basil.
What is the best outdoor mosquito repellent?
- Our pick. Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller. The best for mosquito control. …
- Runner-up. Thermacell MR450 Armored Portable Mosquito Repeller. Not as convenient, durable enough for camping. …
- Budget pick. Pic Mosquito Repelling Coils. Cheaper, but smoky and smelly.
- Talstar Gallon Pros Control Insecticide – Best Mosquito Spray for Yard.
- Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller.
- Summit Mosquito Dunks.
- Wondercide Spray – Best Natural Mosquito Repellent for Yard.
- Control Solutions Inc 82004505 Permethrin SFR Termiticide/Insecticide.
What do you do with a citronella plant in the winter?
These plants are sensitive to cold and will die if they are exposed to frost. In warm climates where frost does not occur, citronella plants can remain outdoor year-round. In colder regions, plants may be moved inside for the winter until warmer temperatures return.
How do you care for a potted citronella plant?
Just water them deeply when the soil dries. They do well in full or part sun. Indoor Mosquito plants should be kept near a sunny window, preferably a south or west facing window. When indoors allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly.
Can citronella grow in shade?
Check out citronella as a plant that repels mosquitoes. Citronella is known as the mosquito plant because the citronella scent is infused into many candles and sprays. … This plant loves a little afternoon shade and rich, moist soil.
How long does it take citronella to grow?
Citronella plants summered outside grow rapidly, creating a lush plant within a few weeks. These heavy feeders require frequent watering to keep up with the rapid growth, but are likely to reach a height of 2 feet and spread to nearly that width during the summer.
Are citronella plants easy to grow?
Growing and caring for mosquito plants is easy. … These plants prefer at least six hours of sunlight every day whether it is planted outside or indoors near a window but can also tolerate some partial shade. They are tolerable of a wide variety of soil as long as it’s well-draining.
What insects does citronella repel?
“Citronella oil is repellent to mosquitoes to a degree, but the amount being put out by a candle isn’t going to be very effective,” Eric Hoffer, president of Hoffer Pest, told TODAY Home.
Do citronella plants need sun or shade?
Citronella grass thrives in bright, filtered sunlight and needs moist, loamy soil. Citronella grass is very thirsty, so you may need to water as often as once a day.
What happens if a dog licks citronella?
While citronella products might smell like a tasty lemon treat to you, do not let your dog eat, lick, or get too close to a citronella plant or product. … Citronella-scented geraniums and citronella oil can also cause a rash or skin irritation on your dog.
What grows well with citronella?
Citronella makes a great companion plant. If you like to grow tomatoes, citronella makes a great companion plant. When planted near tomato plants, citronella can help keep destructive pests away from the foliage as well as protect you from mosquitoes while you garden.
Is Lavender poisonous for dogs?
Key Takeaways. Lavender contains a small amount of linalool, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Mild exposure to lavender is not generally harmful and may help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Lavender poisoning is possible and may cause vomiting, reduced appetite, and other symptoms.
How do I mosquito proof my yard?
- Plant Mosquito-Repelling Flowers. The most common and popular mosquito-repelling garden plant is the marigold. …
- Eliminate Standing Water. …
- Invite Bats Into Your Yard. …
- Keep Your Gutters Clean. …
- Treat Wet Areas. …
- Spray & Trap. …
- Use Repellent Devices.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of my yard naturally?
- Remove Excess Vegetation. …
- Stock Ponds or Marshes. …
- Reduce Standing Water. …
- Attract Mosquito Eating Animals. …
- Plant Mosquito Repellent Plants. …
- Watch What You Wear. …
- Choose a Safer Spray for Extra Control.
How do I make my yard mosquito free?
- Avoid Standing Water. The best approach to mosquito control is to keep them from showing up in the first place. …
- Keep your Grass Cut. In addition to water, mosquitoes like to hang out in cool, shady spots. …
- Use Landscaping to Your Advantage. …
- Use Fans. …
- Spray Your Landscape. …
- Follow the Light.
What smell do mosquitoes hate?
Mosquitoes have an incredibly strong sense of smell, which they use to find accessible food sources. You can repel mosquitoes by using scents they hate, like lavender, peppermint oil, geranium oil, cinnamon bark oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, catnip, rosemary, and pine oil.
What does citronella grass look like?
Though citronella grass may sometimes be called lemongrass, they are two different plants. Lemongrass and citronella grass are closely related and can look and smell very similar. However, citronella grass has reddish colored pseudostems, while lemongrass is all green.
Is Lavender a mosquito repellent?
Lavender Crushed lavender flowers produce a fragrance and oil that can repel mosquitoes. An animal study on hairless mice found lavender oil to be effective at repelling adult mosquitoes. … This means that in addition to preventing mosquito bites, it can calm and soothe the skin.
Do citronella candles actually work?
Citronella candles are great for setting a mood, but they’re not so great for the very thing they’re advertised to do: repel mosquitoes. … At a distance of 1 meter, DEET and oil of lemon eucalyptus sprays reduced mosquito attraction by 60%. The only wearable device that worked was an OFF!
Do citronella torches work?
Citronella candles/ Tiki torches: Citronella candles and smoke do repel mosquitoes, but only in the immediate vicinity. So unless you are standing directly above or in front of the flame they are very limited in their effectiveness. As you can see there are many options available for mosquito control.
Do you cut back Citronella plants?
Citronella plants can reach 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1 meter) in height. You can pinch back citronella to form a more compact, bushy plant. The lacey, fragrant leaves also work well in summer floral bouquets so feel free to prune often. The stems also can be cut and dried.
Why is my citronella plant leaves turning yellow?
Let the soil dry out between watering sessions so the soil does not become water logged. These plants do not tolerate overwatering. Too much water and the leaves begin to turn yellow before dropping off the stems. If unsure whether or not the mosquito plant needs water, then do not water.
Can you bring Citronella plants indoors?
Citronella As A Houseplant – Can You Keep Mosquito Plant Citronella Indoors. … The good news is that you certainly can grow this plant indoors. This plant is actually a type of geranium (Pelargonium genus) and is not frost hardy. It is considered an evergreen perennial in zones 9 through 11.