Citrus Pelargonium
Pelargonium citronellum
Citronella Pelargonium, Lemon-Scent Pelargonium
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This strongly scented herb releases a lemon scent when touched, and can grow into a 2 m high bush under the right conditions. The lovely pink-purple flowers bloom from spring to summer. This low-maintenance plant must be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and is easily grown from cuttings. The scented leaves can be used as potpourri.
Related Plants
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Spring, Summer
Fruiting time
Summer, Autumn
Harvesting
Leaves can be harvested for potpourri and can be picked as needed. Plants can be cut in late summer and distilled for oil.
Propagation
Cuttings
Take softwood or herbaceous cuttings and use rooting hormone powder. Place cuttings in river sand and keep damp. Should root in 2-4 weeks. Transplant when a strong root-ball has formed.
Seed
Sow seeds shallowly in late summer to early autumn in a light, well-drained potting mix. Water gently but thoroughly with a fine rose spray. Place in light shade. Germination takes 2-3 weeks.
Special features
Repels harmful insects
This plant can be used as a companion plant to repel pests, as the lemon scent has natural insecticidal properties, although it has not been proven whether it is effective or not.
Pot plant
Pelargonium citronellum makes a good pot plant provided it is planted in well-draining soil and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Drought resistant
Attractive flowers
Special features
Origin
South Africa, Little Karoo, the northern foothills of the Langeberg near Ladysmith, and Herbertsdale.
Natural climate
Mediterranean to semi-arid
Environment
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Alkaline, Neutral
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Edible
Leaves can be used as a culinary herb, to flavour pudding, infused to make tea or used fresh in desserts, punch, and vinegar.
Notes
Potpourrii and to repel garden pests
Personality
Family
Geraniaceae
Flower colour
Pink, Purple
Scent
Mild
Problems
Pelargonium 'Citronellum' can be attacked by leafhoppers, aphids, spider mites, and whitefly if planted under cover.
Credits
Pelargonium citronellum
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by Luyanda Mjuleni, Kirstenbosch, National Botanical Garden, March 2007. Acknowledgements: The author thanks Trevor Adams for information on the propagation and cultivation of, Pelargonium citronellum, and Alice Notten for helping with the writing of this article. (Copyright South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa)
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