Citronella plant vs lemongrass is a common garden mix-up, and it is easy to see why. Both plants look almost identical and share a strong, citrusy scent, but only lemongrass contains the oil that actually deters mosquitoes. If you are planting one of these to keep bugs away, you need to know which is which before you dig.
The confusion is totally understandable. They are cousins in the grass family, and they even smell similar when you crush the leaves. But the difference matters a lot for your patio, your cooking, and your pest control plans.
Let’s clear up the confusion for good. We will compare the leaves, the stems, the scents, and the real-world uses so you can pick the right plant for your garden.
Citronella Plant Vs Lemongrass
Here is the short version: The “citronella plant” you see at the garden center (often a scented geranium) is not the same as true citronella grass. And true citronella grass is not the same as lemongrass. It is a three-way mix-up, but we are going to focus on the two you asked about.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is the real deal for cooking and for containing citronella oil. The citronella plant (Pelargonium citrosum) is a geranium that smells like citronella but has almost no mosquito-repelling power. Let’s break down every difference so you can spot them instantly.
Visual Differences: Leaves And Stems
If you look closely, these plants are not that hard to tell apart. The trick is to look at the stems and the leaf texture, not just the color.
Lemongrass grows in thick, rigid clumps. The stalks are bulbous at the base, like green onions or leeks. The leaves are long, sharp, and arch over dramatically. They feel rough and have a distinct midrib running down the center.
The citronella plant is a bushy geranium. It has soft, lacy, deeply lobed leaves that look a bit like parsley or a fern. The stems are woody and branching. It does not grow in clumps; it grows outward like a shrub.
- Lemongrass: Bulbous base, sharp edges, arching blades, grows in dense tufts.
- Citronella plant: Woody stems, soft lobed leaves, bushy shape, grows like a small shrub.
- Smell test: Crush a leaf. Lemongrass smells like lemon candy. Citronella plant smells like floor cleaner or bug spray.
Once you feel the leaves, you will never confuse them again. Lemongrass is tough and fibrous. The citronella plant is soft and almost velvety.
Which One Actually Repels Mosquitoes?
This is the big question, and the answer is a bit disappointing for citronella plant fans. The oil that repels mosquitoes is called citronellal. It is found in high amounts in lemongrass and true citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus).
The citronella plant (the geranium) produces a tiny amount of citronellal, but it is not enough to do anything. Studies have shown that the scented geranium is not effective at repelling mosquitoes when you rub it on your skin or sit next to it.
Lemongrass, on the other hand, contains 70-80% citronellal in its oil. That is the good stuff. However, there is a catch. Simply having a lemongrass plant sitting in a pot does not repel mosquitoes. The oil is locked inside the leaves. You have to crush the leaves to release the oil into the air.
- For active repellent: Crush lemongrass leaves and rub them on your skin (test a small patch first).
- For passive repellent: Burn lemongrass oil in a candle or diffuser.
- For garden use: Plant lemongrass near your patio, but crush a few leaves when you sit outside.
If you want a plant that works just by existing, you are out of luck. No plant does that. But lemongrass gives you the raw material to make a natural repellent.
Can You Eat Them? Culinary Uses
This is where the two plants are completely different. Lemongrass is a staple in Asian cooking. You use the lower bulb of the stalk in soups, curries, and teas. It adds a bright, citrusy, slightly floral flavor that you cannot get from a lemon.
The citronella plant is not edible. In fact, it is considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Eating it can cause stomach upset. Do not put it in your tea, no matter how good it smells.
- Lemongrass: Use the inner bulb. Peel off the tough outer layers, smash the stalk, and add it to broth.
- Citronella plant: Do not eat. It is for ornamental use only.
- Tea: Lemongrass makes a great herbal tea. Citronella plant does not.
If you are looking for a plant that serves double duty in the kitchen and the garden, lemongrass wins by a mile. The citronella plant is purely decorative.
Growing Requirements And Hardiness
Both plants are tropical, which means they love heat and humidity. But they have different needs when it comes to soil and sunlight.
Lemongrass is a heavy feeder. It wants rich, moist, well-draining soil and full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It grows fast and can get huge, up to 5-6 feet tall. It also loves water. If you let it dry out, the leaf tips will turn brown.
The citronella plant is more forgiving. It prefers partial shade in hot climates and can handle drier soil. It grows to about 2-3 feet tall and wide. It is a tender perennial, meaning it will die in a hard frost.
Here is a quick care comparison:
- Sun: Lemongrass needs full sun. Citronella plant likes morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Water: Lemongrass needs constant moisture. Citronella plant likes to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Cold tolerance: Both are frost-tender. Bring them indoors for the winter in zones 8 and below.
- Growth rate: Lemongrass is a fast grower. Citronella plant is moderate.
If you live in a hot, humid climate, both will thrive. If you are in a cooler area, you will need to overwinter them inside near a sunny window.
Propagation: How To Grow More
Both plants are easy to propagate, but they use different methods. Lemongrass grows from stalks. You can buy a stalk from the grocery store, place it in water, and roots will sprout in a week.
The citronella plant grows from cuttings. Snip a 4-inch piece of stem, remove the lower leaves, and stick it in moist soil. It roots quickly.
- Lemongrass propagation: Place a stalk in a glass of water. Change the water daily. Wait for roots, then plant.
- Citronella propagation: Take a stem cutting. Dip in rooting hormone (optional). Plant in potting soil. Keep moist.
Both methods are foolproof. If you have one plant, you can have ten by the end of the season.
Fragrance Profile: Lemon Vs. Citronella
The scents are similar but distinct. Lemongrass smells like a fresh lemon peel with a hint of sweetness. It is clean and bright. The essential oil is used in soaps, perfumes, and flavorings.
The citronella plant smells like citronella oil, which is more medicinal and sharp. It has a “bug spray” vibe. Some people love it, and some people find it overpowering.
Here is a simple way to remember: If you would want to eat it, it is lemongrass. If you would want to spray it on your deck, it is citronella.
Common Misconceptions
There is a lot of bad information out there about these plants. Let’s clear up a few myths.
Myth 1: The citronella plant repels mosquitoes. Fact: It does not. The oil is too weak and does not volatilize well.
Myth 2: Lemongrass and citronella grass are the same. Fact: They are different species. Lemongrass is for eating. Citronella grass is for oil extraction and is too bitter to eat.
Myth 3: Planting lemongrass will clear your yard of mosquitoes. Fact: The plant has to be damaged to release the oil. A healthy, untouched plant does nothing.
Do not fall for the marketing hype. If you want real protection, you need to use the oil, not just the plant.
Which Should You Choose?
The choice depends on your goal. If you want a plant for cooking and tea, choose lemongrass. It is useful, attractive, and gives you a harvest.
If you want a pretty, low-maintenance plant that smells nice and fills a garden bed, choose the citronella plant. Just do not expect it to fight off bugs.
If you want mosquito control, choose lemongrass and learn how to extract or use the oil. You can also buy true citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) if you can find it, but lemongrass is more common and easier to grow.
Here is a quick decision guide:
- Choose lemongrass if: You cook, drink tea, want a tall statement plant, or want to make natural repellent.
- Choose citronella plant if: You want a compact, bushy plant for a pot, or you like the scent and do not care about bugs.
You can also grow both. They look great together in a mixed container, and you get the best of both worlds.
Overwintering And Indoor Care
If you live in a cold climate, you need a plan for winter. Both plants will die if left outside in freezing temperatures.
Lemongrass can be dug up and potted. Cut the leaves back to about 6 inches. Store it in a cool, dark place like a basement, or keep it growing under a grow light. It will go dormant but will bounce back in spring.
The citronella plant is easier. Bring the pot inside and treat it like a houseplant. It likes bright light and moderate water. It may drop some leaves due to low humidity, but it will recover.
Do not overwater either plant in winter. They need less water when growth slows down.
Pests And Problems
Both plants are relatively pest-free, but they have a few issues. Lemongrass can get spider mites indoors. The citronella plant can get whiteflies and aphids.
You can manage pests with a simple spray of water and a few drops of dish soap. Check the undersides of the leaves regularly.
Yellowing leaves on lemongrass usually mean overwatering or lack of nutrients. Brown leaf tips mean underwatering or low humidity. The citronella plant will wilt dramatically if it gets too dry, but it perks up quickly after watering.
Final Verdict
So, citronella plant vs lemongrass: which one is better? It depends on what you need. For cooking and real mosquito repellent, lemongrass is the clear winner. For a pretty, fragrant ornamental that is easy to care for, the citronella plant is fine.
Just remember the golden rule: If it looks like grass, it is lemongrass. If it looks like a leafy geranium, it is a citronella plant. And if you want to repel mosquitoes, you need to crush, burn, or extract the oil from the grass. A plant sitting in a pot is not a force field.
Now you know the difference. Go pick the right one for your garden and enjoy the scent, the flavor, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the citronella plant the same as lemongrass?
No, they are different species. The citronella plant is a scented geranium (Pelargonium citrosum). Lemongrass is a true grass (Cymbopogon citratus). They look and smell different.
Can I use lemongrass to repel mosquitoes?
Yes, but you have to crush the leaves to release the citronella oil. Rubbing crushed leaves on your skin or burning lemongrass oil works. Just having the plant nearby does not repel them.
Is the citronella plant edible?
No, it is not edible. It can cause stomach upset if ingested. Only lemongrass is safe for cooking and tea.
Which plant is better for a patio container?
Both work well. Lemongrass makes a tall, dramatic statement. The citronella plant stays smaller and bushier. Choose based on your space and whether you want to cook with it.
Does the citronella plant keep bugs away?
No, it does not. Studies show it is not effective at repelling mosquitoes. It only smells like it should work. Use lemongrass or a citronella candle instead.