Botanical profile

Citrosa Geranium

Latin name
Mosquito Repellent Plant
Common name
Citrosa geranium
Type
Non-hardy annual aromatic plant
Family
Geraniaceae

Citrosa geranium is a very decorative aromatic plant, appreciated for its cut green foliage with an intense lemony scent when crushed. Often sought after for its fresh and lively aroma, it integrates very well into patio pots, planters, balconies, terraces, and decorative herb gardens. Its bushy habit and fragrant foliage bring a bright, natural, and pleasant touch to outdoor spaces during the warm season.

Easy to grow, citrosa geranium prefers a sunny to lightly semi-shaded location, in light, fertile, and well-drained soil. It grows particularly well in containers, where it can be placed near relaxation areas, doors, terraces, or outdoor dining spaces. Regular watering promotes good growth, but it is important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to avoid over-watering. Light pruning helps maintain a more compact, dense, and well-branched plant.

Both fragrant, decorative, and easy to care for, citrosa geranium is ideal for gardeners looking for an original aromatic plant to beautify outdoor spaces. Its lemony foliage is mainly appreciated for its sensory and ornamental interest, rather than for culinary use. As it is not hardy in our climate, it is generally grown as an annual or brought indoors before the cold into a very bright location.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic decorative citrus foliage, often used on patios and balconies
Container, balcony, terrace, planter, patio, decorative fragrant plant
Container growing
Excellent container culture in a well-drained pot
Seasonal care
Pinch regularly to maintain a compact habit; remove faded flowers; bring indoors before cold weather if desired
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Not hardy
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low to medium humidity; prefers well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light and regular fertilization in pots during growth
Soil type
Fertile, light, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
41 °F
Propagation method
Stem cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer to Fall
Flower color
Lavender-pink to pale mauve
Foliage color
Cut green
Foliage type
Persistent in mild climates
Shape
Bushy, upright, and branched habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Lavender, rosemary, lemon verbena, basil
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.