Pelargonium ‘Citronella’ (Scented Geranium)

Pelargonium ‘Citronella’ (Scented Geranium) is an upright, evergreen, tender perennial with deeply cut, crinkled and serrated, soft green leaves. Strongly scented, the pretty leaves exude a delicious, sharp citrus scent when bruised. In summer, clusters of small lavender-pink flowers adorned with deep crimson brush marks on their top petals, are nicely set off by the foliage. Place this scented geranium where its foliage can be easily brushed, such as in containers or edgings along paths. Although this plant does not have real value as an insect repellent, most gardeners are delighted with the refreshing fragrance it brings to their garden settings.

• Grows with an upright bushy habit up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in moderately fertile, neutral or alkaline, well-drained soils. Best in full sun, but welcomes some light shade in the heat of the day. Water regularly during growing season. Drought tolerant, once established.
• Perfect addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, city gardens or containers. Also very effective grouped or massed in herb gardens.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for glasshouse whitefly, caterpillars, glasshouse leafhopper, aphids, vine weevil and root mealybugs.
• Promptly deadhead spent flowering stems. Pinch stems to prevent legginess and promote bushiness. Propagate by softwood cuttings in spring, late summer and autumn.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.