Citronella plants can grow throughout the year in zones 9-11, covering the deep southern parts of the United States and southern coastal margins. These areas’ temperatures range between -6.7 o C to 10 o C, reaffirming the hardiness of this crop. That said, the plant can still survive outside these regions.
Full Answer
What is the range of a citronella plant?
zones 9 to 11An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur.
Do citronella plants really work?
Simply having a citronella plant in your garden won't deter mosquitoes. Some gardeners swear that it works, but studies have found that it doesn't. Even if you plant a whole garden full of citronella plants, it still won't be enough to have a repellant effect on mosquitoes.
Does a citronella plant spread?
Citronella Mosquito Plant is a medium tall plant, growing up to 24 inches tall and spreading up to 24 inches wide. It is tall enough that you can plant something shorter in front of it in the landscape or container. If you do so, you should space the Citronella Mosquito Plant 18-24 inches apart from its neighbors.
How many feet does a citronella candle cover?
The Repel Insect Repellent Citronella Candle candle is very effective at deterring flying bugs like mosquitoes, so it can be used in any outdoor space to keep the pests from biting. However, the candle only covers a small radius (about 3 feet), so several will be needed for a larger area.
What bugs does citronella repel?
It is effective against a wide variety of pests, including but not limited to flies, mosquitoes, and ticks. Its distinctive odor drives away some insects, while preventing others from identifying a host. Candles made of Citronella oil work effectively to repel mosquitoes and insects when burned in the immediate area.
What bugs do citronella plants repel?
Citronella has long been favored as one of the most effective plants that repel mosquitoes, which is why outdoor candles and bug sprays are often made with its oils. You can plant citronella grass right in your garden or optimize its efficiency by planting it near other mosquito-repellent plants, like lavender.
Is citronella toxic to dogs?
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.
Where should I place my citronella plant?
Citronella plants love full sun, but they can also tolerate some partial shade. Give them 6 to 7 hours of sunlight every day and watch them thrive. If you bring your plants indoors during the winter months, give them a sunny spot near a window.
Should I cut back my citronella plant?
Keeping the foliage looking healthy and tidy with regular pruning can help with this. 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.
Do mosquitoes hate citronella?
Citronella is an oilderived from the leaves and stems from a cousin of lemongrass (specifically, Cymbopogon). While most humans don't mind the light citrus scent, mosquitoes reportedly hate it, so citronella is used in a variety of products like candles and wristbands and sprays.
Does citronella really repel mosquitoes?
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. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.
Will citronella repel spiders?
Citronella repels more than just mosquitoes – it also repels spiders! Add a couple of drops of citronella essential oil to your candles or air filters. Spiders hate the smell of citronella and will avoid areas with this oil. Using lemon dust cleaner helps too.
Does citronella actually repel mosquitoes?
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. That's one conclusion from a new study that tested 11 types of repellents on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes—the vectors of Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and other diseases.
Do citronella plants work against mosquitoes?
Citronella is probably one of the most common plants thought of when you think of mosquito-repellant plants. Many people wonder: Do citronella plants work? They are called the mosquito plant, and they give off a scent mosquitoes don't like. And they are effective in repelling mosquitoes in small areas.
Do any plants really repel mosquitoes?
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and citronella grass (C. nardus) have proven mosquito-repelling abilities thanks to the citronella oil contained within their leaves.
What is the best plant to keep mosquitoes away?
8 Best Plants To Keep Mosquitoes AwayBasil. The humble, beautiful basil plant is a natural mosquito beater as these flying felons can't stand that sweet smell. ... Catnip. While it might be heaven for cats, catnip is absolute hell for mosquitoes. ... Citronella. ... Lavender. ... Lemon Balm. ... Lemon Thyme. ... Marigolds. ... Rosemary.