Citronella Grass is a striking tropical perennial admired for its tall, arching green leaves and refreshing, lemon-scented aroma. Its long, slender blades grow in dense clumps, creating a lush, fountain-like appearance that adds both texture and elegance to any garden or outdoor space. The plant is easily recognisable by its subtle citrus fragrance, which becomes more pronounced when the leaves are brushed or crushed. Ideal for Caribbean climates, Citronella Grass thrives in warm, humid conditions and is perfect for patios, garden beds, borders and container planting, bringing a touch of tropical sophistication to your outdoor living areas.

Citronella Grass is a fast-growing, hardy plant that typically reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet, with a similar spread. Its clumping growth habit forms dense, upright mounds that create a natural screen or focal point in gardens. The plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, though it is highly adaptable and tolerates partial shade. Regular watering during dry periods and occasional pruning to remove old or damaged leaves encourages vibrant, healthy growth. Low-maintenance and resilient, Citronella Grass establishes quickly, making it a reliable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners seeking a versatile tropical grass.

Beyond its visual appeal, Citronella Grass is celebrated for its multiple practical and ecological benefits. Its aromatic leaves are renowned for naturally repelling mosquitoes and other pests, helping to make outdoor spaces more enjoyable and comfortable. The plant supports biodiversity by attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while its dense roots aid in soil stabilisation and erosion prevention. Citronella Grass also contributes to a fresher, healthier garden atmosphere and can be harvested for use in homemade essential oils, natural remedies or as a fragrant addition to outdoor décor. Combining beauty, function and resilience, Citronella Grass is an essential addition to any Caribbean garden, offering both tropical charm and practical benefits in one hardy, versatile package.

Common Name: Citronella Grass

Botanical Names:

Cymbopogon Nardus
Andropogon Citrosus
Andropogon Confertiflorus
Andropogon Grandis
Andropogon Hamulatus
Andropogon Khasianus
Andropogon Nardus
Andropogon Nilagiricus
Andropogon Pseudohirtus
Andropogon Thwaitesii
Cymbopogon Afronardus
Cymbopogon Claessensii
Cymbopogon Confertiflorus
Cymbopogon Prolixus
Cymbopogon Thwaitesii
Cymbopogon Validus
Cymbopogon Virgatus
Sorghum Nardus

Family: Poaceae / Gramineae

Other Names:

Beignefala
Blue Citronella Grass
Ceilao Lenabatu
Ceylon Citronella
Ceyloncitronell
Cintronella Di Ceylon
Citroenmelisse
Citronela
Citronela-De-Java
Citronela De Ceilan
Citronela Do
Citronellagras
Citronelle
Citronelle De Ceylan
Citronelle De Sri Lanka
Citronellgras
Cu Sa
Dichtblattriges Zitronellagras
False Citronela
Geranium Grass
Kou Suigaya
Lenabatu Citronela
Lenabatugraes
Naid Grass
Nardus Grass
Nardusgras
Palcztka Szczetna
Reuse Terpentyngras
Seiron Shitironera
Shitoronera
Shitoronera Gurasu
Sitwonnèl
Ta Khrai Hom
Tiberimt
Tiekala-Ba
Tsaure
Ya Xiang Mao
Zacate Limon
Zèb Citronnelle

Origin: Eastern Africa (Sudan To South Africa), Eastern Asia (India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka)

Duration: Perennial

Habit:

Aromatic and clumping growth habit forming dense, upright clusters of stems arising from the base of the plant; Stems have a purple base to green top, are typically slender and can grow to various heights, creating a feathery and graceful appearance; Leaves are narrow and elongated

Hardiness: Hardy

Citronella Grass

Name: Citronella Grass
SKU: AVE-0002732

TT$30.00

Quantity

Only 2 left in stock

Top Diameter: 7"

Height: 5.75"
Light Conditions:

Full Sun:
Preferably, place citronella grass in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of filtered sunlight per day.

Partial Shade:
Citronella grass can tolerate 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun.

If you notice your citronella grass leaves being scorched, then it may be in an area with too much direct sun.

Soil:

Well-drained or moisture retentive soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. The plant has been reported to grow from sea-level up to 2,000 to 3,000 metres in lowland tropics, grasslands and open woodlands.

Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry and ensure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.

The roots of citronella grass should not be allowed to dry out.

Citronella grass can tolerate drought and moist conditions.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

Citronella grass is regarded as invasive and could tolerate poorer soils. As a result, amendments and fertiliser would not be necessary.

If you choose to fertilise, you can use one that is high in nitrogen once a year.

If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the lighting conditions, the soil moisture and whether the plant is root bound.

Pruning and Maintenance:

Prune (deadhead) leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased or turn yellow or brown.
Citronella Grass is antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and is renowned for its aromatic oil, citronella oil, which possesses several potential medicinal benefits.

Entire Plant -
Citronella grass has environmental applications which can be seen in the ecology section. With its purple, reddish stem base and pleasant scent, citronella grass can be ideal to grow ornamentally in the home garden.

Leaves -
The leaves are antispasmodic (relieves spasms) and diaphoretic (induces perspiration). Leaf infusions can treat diarrhoea spasms and infusions with alcoholic spirits can relieve colds. In addition, the leaves can be used to make a fragrant tea, and flavour curries and soups. The cut leaves of citronella grass make it a resourceful mulch.

Citronella Oil -
The essential oil extracted from the leaves, citronella oil, can be used as a food additive and to scent perfumes, soaps, sprays, detergents, polishes, candles and incense. Citronella oil has antiseptic properties for sanitising food preparation areas. Citronella oil has been utilised in Chinese medicine for combating digestive issues, intestinal problems, fever and rheumatism. It can be administered in aromatherapy as a stimulant to eliminate fatigue and improve energy, and for addressing colds, headaches and the flu. Citronella oil can also be mixed with other vegetable oils and rubbed on the skin as an insect repellent. Citronella oil may even deter cats.
Environmental, Soil Quality Improvement -
Cultivating Citronella grass is beneficial for enhancing soil quality. Its rapid growth allows for the formation of clumps, from which organic material in the leaves can be harvested and deposited on the ground, contributing to soil enrichment through decomposition.

Environmental, Soil Erosion Control -
The clumps that these grasses produce are useful in soil erosion control. It can even grow prolifically after fires once the seeds are dispersed.

Environmental, Control of Invasive Plants -
These grasses can be used to shield farming areas from weeds entering in and can even divide or frame parts of the garden or farm land.
It is important to note that while citronella oil is effective in repelling mosquitoes, the plant itself may not have the same level of efficacy when planted in the garden. The oil is usually extracted from the plant's leaves and stems for use in insect repellent products.

Citronella grass is unpalatable to cattle and due to its invasiveness can be a concern for cattle farms or grazing areas.

Citronella grass can taint other foods with its aroma if kept close to them in storage..It is advised that you consult with your physician before taking any herbal medicine.

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Citronella Grass

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