Pelargonium citronellum: complete guide

Overview

Pelargonium citronellum, known as lemon-scent pelargonium or citronella geranium, is a fragrant herbaceous plant native to the Western Cape region of South Africa. This distinctive geranium produces intensely lemon-scented foliage and delicate pale pink to white flowers.

This unique plant is valued for its aromatic leaves, interesting growth habit, and compact semi-shrubby form. It's ideal for container cultivation on patios, in gardens, and as an indoor herb for aromatherapy applications.

Appearance and Bloom

Pelargonium citronellum grows as a compact to semi-shrubby plant, typically 30-60 centimeters tall in containers. The leaves are green, finely lobed, and exceptionally fragrant - they smell strongly of lemons and lemongrass.

Flowers are small to medium, usually pale pink to white with some purple markings on upper petals. Blooms appear in clusters along flower stems during spring and summer. The entire plant radiates charming, informal elegance.

Ideal Location

Place Pelargonium citronellum in full to partial sun - at least four to six hours of direct daily sunlight. In abundant sun, the plant becomes more compact and flower-rich. Shade significantly reduces flowering.

The plant tolerates windy locations reasonably well, though stems can snap in extreme winds. A sheltered, sunny patio or balcony spot is ideal. It also thrives indoors on a sunny windowsill.

Soil

Use well-draining, lightly fertile potting soil - a mixture of two parts universal potting soil and one part sand or perlite works excellently. This geranium dislikes wet feet and requires excellent drainage.

Quality seed-starting mix can also be used. Add some organic matter for moisture retention without waterlogging. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil.

Watering

Allow the soil surface to dry between waterings. Water when soil feels dry 2-3 centimeters deep - typically once weekly in summer, less in winter. This geranium is moisture-sensitive; overwatering causes root rot and leaf drop.

In winter, especially for indoor specimens, water minimally - only enough to prevent drying. Avoid evening watering.

Pruning and Training

Prune in late winter or early spring at growth season beginning. Cut back to approximately one-third of original size. This promotes multiple branch formation and more compact growth.

Use sterile pruning shears with clean hands. Remove dead or diseased stems immediately. The plant regenerates beautifully after pruning and produces flowers from more growing points.

Maintenance Calendar

Spring (March-May): Strong growth period. Water regularly, light monthly feeding. Prune back old stems. Begin fertilizing in March.

Summer (June-August): Blooming period. Water regularly, monthly feeding with potassium-rich fertilizer. Enjoy flowers, remove spent flower stems.

Fall (September-October): Growth slows. Reduce watering. Decrease fertilizer. Move indoors for winter if in cold climate.

Winter (November-February): Minimal watering. No fertilizer. Maintain temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius. Prune back in late February.

Winter Hardiness

Pelargonium citronellum is not winter-hardy in northern Europe. The plant cannot tolerate frost and will die at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. During summer, it can be outdoors on patios, but must be brought indoors for winter.

Most seasons this plant is used as a tender annual or short-lived perennial. Overwintering indoors helps the same plant regrow next spring.

Companion Plants

Pelargonium citronellum combines beautifully in mixed container schemes with:

• Other scented geraniums (Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium 'Attar')
• Lavender (Lavandula)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Jasmine (Jasminum)

Final Thoughts

Pelargonium citronellum is a wonderfully fragrant plant that's easy to care for once you understand its preference for well-drained soil. With aromatic foliage you can brush for direct scent inhalation and charming pink blooms, it's a valuable addition to patios, balconies, and sunny windowsills.

Find young potted plants at garden centers in spring, or propagate from cuttings in summer. The lemon fragrance will delight you daily.