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Do citronella plant come back every year? check this out | citronella plant annual or perennial

Author

Rachel Hernandez

Updated on July 22, 2026

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.

An evergreen perennial in zones 9 to 11, citronella usually grows as an annual where freezing temperatures occur. In addition, the stems can become quite woody by summer’s end. If you want to overwinter your plant, propagate a new one during the late summer months by layering.

Can a citronella plant survive 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 take care of citronella plants in the winter?

These plants need some sunlight, but they don’t require a full eight hours; if they receive direct sunlight, you must keep them watered thoroughly to survive. Keeping your citronella plant indoors during the winter helps you prune it more regularly, which can produce a lusher plant once spring comes back around.

Can I 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.

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.

How is a perennial different from an annual?

Perennial plants regrow every spring, while annual plants live for only one growing season, then die off. Perennials generally have a shorter blooming period compared to annuals, so it’s common for gardeners to use a combination of both plants in their yard.

How long does citronella plant last?

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. In other zones, they can be brought inside during the winter or left outside as an annual.

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.

Is Lemongrass an annual or perennial?

Lemon grass is an easy-going tropical plant that is quite happy in full sun and average garden soil. It is a tender perennial, hardy only in Zones 9-10. Where temperatures dip below 20°F in the winter, Lemon Grass should spend the summer outdoors but be brought in for the winter.

Do citronella plants deter 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. Planting them in your landscape will do little to repel mosquitoes. The best way to control and prevent mosquitoes is by disrupting the mosquito life-cycle.

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.

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.

Can you buy citronella plants?

Citronella Plant can be ordered at GardencentreKoeman.co.uk throughout the whole United Kingdom.

Do marigolds really repel mosquitoes?

These flowers are colorful additions to landscaping, but they have a distinctive smell that repels mosquitoes and other garden pests, including squash bugs and tomato worms. Marigolds contain a natural compound used in many insect repellents.

What plants keep mosquitoes away?

12 Plants to Use as a Natural Mosquito Repellent
Lavender. Have you ever noticed that insects or even rabbits and other animals have never decimated your lavender plant? Marigolds. Citronella Grass. Catnip. Rosemary. Basil. Scented Geraniums. Bee Balm.

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.