The Many Uses of the Citronella Plant | Tips from Ottawa's Best Garden Centre

Edible, medicinal, and beneficial, the citronella plant is not just for repelling pesky mosquitoes.

The scented geranium, or citronella plant (Pelargonium Citronellum), is a much sought after plant during the summer months, primarily for its mosquito repelling properties. What many gardeners may not realize is that it also has a wide range of other uses.

Citronella is Edible

The citronella plant can be used to add a light citrus flavour in many ways, including:

in cooking, from meat dishes to salads and other recipes
as a flavouring in baked goods, butter, jellies, and ice cream
brewed into a tea

When using citronella in baking, place the leaves on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter. Once the cake is baked, remove the leaves. The flavour becomes infused during the baking process.

To make citronella tea, simply dry a few leaves, crush them, and measure out two teaspoons into a cup or mug. Add boiling water and allow it to steep.

Medicinal Herb

In its native continent of Africa, the citronella plant has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb. It has been used for a variety of ailments, including intestinal, kidney, and respiratory issues, as well as wounds, fevers, and parasitic infections. It has also been used in the treatment of head lice and as an antifungal agent.

Citronella is known to stimulate hair growth and is beneficial for the skin, helping to retain moisture and reduce acne. As with any topical plant use, citronella should always be tested on a small area of skin first to avoid potential allergic reactions. In other words, avoid applying it broadly without a spot test.

Mosquito Repellant

The primary reason many gardeners seek out citronella is for mosquito control. It does work, but there are a few important steps to take to get the most benefit from its repelling properties.

Before spending time outdoors on a patio or deck, gently fluff or brush the leaves of the plant to release its scent. You will need more than one plant to effectively cover an area. You can also crush a few leaves and rub them directly onto your skin. Citronella spray can be made in a similar way to tea, using the leaves and water. As always, spot test before applying to skin.

How To Propagate The Citronella Plant

Toward the end of the season, in late summer, it is time to propagate your citronella plants for the following year. Take cuttings from healthy, non woody stems that are about two to three inches long, leaving two leaves at the tip of each cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and pot it into soil.

Citronella cuttings can also be rooted in water, a method that often works very well. Follow the same cutting process, then place the stem into a glass jar of water and set it in bright light. Once strong roots have developed, the cutting can be potted into soil.

Beneficial to Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds

Overall, the citronella plant is a valuable addition to gardens and outdoor spaces. It produces delicate pink flowers that bees and butterflies love. While it repels mosquitoes, it does not harm beneficial insects such as butterflies and North American ladybugs. Hummingbirds are also drawn to citronella plants when they are in bloom.

The citronella plant not only improves comfort in outdoor living spaces but also adds texture and colour to your garden or backyard.

Enjoy!