Create Your Garden

Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass)

Citronella Grass, Ceylon Citronella, Citronella Plant

Cymbopogon nardus, Citronella Grass, Ceylon Citronella, Mosquito repellent plant

Cymbopogon nardus, commonly known as Citronella Grass or Citronella Plant, is a tropical, clump-forming, evergreen grass with long, thin, bright green leaves with a citronella-like fragrance when crushed. The plant produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers on spikes that rise above the foliage. Citronella Grass is best known for its insect-repelling properties, particularly against mosquitoes. The essential oils extracted from the plant’s leaves and stems contain compounds known to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. The oils are commonly used in various products, such as candles, sprays, and lotions, to provide outdoor protection against mosquito bites. In addition, the plant has several traditional medicinal uses and is used in perfumery and flavorings.

  • Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soils. Some afternoon shade is appreciated in hot summer climates to prevent the leaves from getting burned by intense sun.
  • It is also important to water the plant regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth—Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.
  • In drought conditions, the leaves may become yellow and go dormant.
  • Citronella Grass is typically grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 and will not tolerate temperatures below 32°F (0°C). In areas with colder climates, Citronella Grass can be grown as an annual or as a potted plant that can be brought indoors during the winter months.
  • A beautiful ornamental grass for borders, along pathways, or for containers.
  • The lemon-scented oil extracted from the leaves is used to flavor drinks and as a marinade for meat. The fresh leaves can also be used as herbal tea or as a wrapping for steamed dishes.
  • Citronella Grass may benefit from applying a balanced fertilizer once a year to support healthy growth.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Citronella can be propagated by seed, cutting, or division.
  • Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
  • Native from South Sudan to South Africa, India to Vietnam

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 5' - 8'
(150cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 36" - 60"
(90cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Poaceae
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 5' - 8'
(150cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 5'
(90cm - 150cm)
Spacing 36" - 60"
(90cm - 150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Grass) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone