Bonnie Plants Citronella Live Plant 2-Pack, 2.32 qt — Lemon‑Scented, Container‑Ready

Bonnie Plants Citronella is a two-pack of live, lemon-scented patio plants grown for fragrant foliage and easy container culture.

These citronella geraniums (Pelargonium species commonly sold as "citronella") arrive in 2.32 quart pots and perform best in containers on decks, patios, and near doorways. They’re valued for their strong citrus aroma, vigorous habit, and drought tolerance; light feeding is recommended because excess nitrogen can blunt the scent. While crushed leaves release fragrant oils that some people use to discourage mosquitoes, the plants are primarily chosen for their pleasant lemony foliage and garden presence rather than guaranteed pest control.

How should I plant and position these citronella plants?

Place the plants in pots or garden beds with part shade to bright light, allowing 18–24 inches between plants for full growth. Use well-draining potting mix and containers with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

• Plant spacing: 18–24 inches apart for mature spread.
• Light: part shade to bright, indirect sun performs well.
• Soil: loose, well-draining potting mix is ideal.
• Drainage: containers must have drainage holes to prevent root rot.

What routine care keeps the scent strongest and plants vigorous?

Feed sparingly with a balanced fertilizer to avoid excessive leafy growth that reduces fragrance; water when the top inch of soil dries for drought tolerance. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth and more fragrant leaves.

• Fertilizer: light feeding only; avoid high-nitrogen applications.
• Watering: water deeply but infrequently; tolerate short dry spells.
• Pruning: pinch or trim to promote bushiness and fragrance release.
• Pests/diseases: monitor for common garden pests and treat promptly.

Can these plants reduce mosquitoes and where should I place them?

Crushing the leaves releases citrus-scented oil that can deter insects for short periods, but the potted plants themselves shouldn’t be relied on as a primary mosquito control method. Position them along walkways, near seating areas, and by entryways so brushing by the leaves releases fragrance.

• Best placement: along patios, near doors, and beside seating areas.
• Use: rub leaves gently when outdoors to release oils.
• Expectations: contributes aroma and incidental deterrence, not guaranteed repellent.
• Combine: pair with other pest-management measures for better protection.

How do I overwinter these citronella plants and protect them from frost?

They’re tender perennials in warm climates and should be brought indoors before the first frost. Move plants inside to a sunny window or bright location and reduce watering to keep roots healthy through winter.

• Timing: bring inside before temperatures approach freezing.
• Indoor care: bright light and slightly drier soil help overwintering.
• Alternative: take cuttings to propagate indoors if space is limited.
• Hardiness: treat as an annual in cold climates or overwinter indoors.

Who is this for: This Bonnie Plants Citronella 2-pack is suited to gardeners who want low-maintenance, aromatic container plants for patios, porches, and entryways. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys fragrant foliage, needs drought-tolerant ornamentals, or wants easy-to-manage plants that release a pleasant lemon scent when brushed or crushed. Choose this set if you want vigorous, visually appealing plants that add scent and garden interest while fitting into container-focused urban or small-space gardening.