9 types of citronella | Gardening On

Citronella is a plant that we use a lot, not so much to decorate (which too), but rather to repel mosquitoes. The aroma that its leaves give off is very strong for these insects, so they do not hesitate to turn around and move away from where they are.

But What would you tell me if I told you that there are several types of citronella? It is easy to think that there is only one, since there is one species that is very popular while the others are not cultivated as much. Now, that’s what we’re here for, to introduce you to the less common varieties.

Citronella is the common or popular name for a number of plants that belong to the botanical genus Cymbopogon. This in turn, It is within the Poaceae family, that is, of the grasses. This is important to know, because if like me you have an allergy to pollen from these types of herbs, as soon as you see that it is going to bloom, it will be best to cut the flower stem; that, or place them in areas where you will not be much.

There are an estimated 50 species of Cymbopogon, but very few are actually cultivated:

Cymbopogon ambiguous

The Cymbopogon ambiguous It is an herb native to Australia, so we could call it the Australian citronella. It is a plant that has blue-green leaves, and reaches a height of 1,8 meters. It can withstand drought well if it is planted in the ground, so its cultivation is especially recommended in regions where it does not rain much. Withstands mild frosts, down to -5ºC, provided they are short-lived.

Cymbopogon bombycinus

Called citronella or silky oil grass, this is a native Australian herb that reaches a height of between 0 and 5 meters. The leaves are long and thin, green in color. These are eaten tender as if they were vegetables. Withstands drought, as well as cold down to -2ºC.

Cymbopogon citratus

It is the common citronella o lemongrass. It is native to southern Asia, and develops long, thin green or bluish-green leaves. It reaches a height of up to 1 meters, and can be planted near lawns that do not require much watering, such as those with thick grass (it is also known as kikuyo or clandestine pennissetum) or zoysia japonica. The downside is that it is sensitive to cold.

Cymbopogon flexuosus

It is a citronella native to Sri Lanka, Burma, India and Thailand. It grows to a height of 1-1’6 meters, and produces long green leaves. It is aromatic, and it is also used medicinally to treat fungal infections. Despite its origin, it can withstand frosts down to -5ºCbut if the summer is dry and warm it will need frequent waterings.

Cymbopogon martini

Known as palmarosa, it is a native herb especially to India, although it can be found in Southeast and South Asia, which grows up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are green, and an essential oil is extracted from them, which is added to food products and soaps; It is even known to be a good repellent for mosquitoes, nematodes and worms. It supports drought once established, but frost hurts it.

Cymbopogon nardus

This is a type of citronella native to eastern tropical Africa. It reaches an approximate height of 2 meters, and develops green and elongated leaves. It is widely used in gardens, as it repels mosquitoes very effectively. But yes, it cannot stand the cold, so you will have to grow it indoorsfor example in the kitchen if a lot of light enters. And that’s how you can have it close by and pick up its leaves every time you want to flavor a recipe, such as soups.

Cymbopogon prorusus

The Cymbopogon prorusus is an herb native to western Australia, reaching a height of between 1 and 2 meters. Produces thin, green leaves. Withstands drought well once establishedas well as temperatures up to a maximum of 40ºC and a minimum of -2ºC.

Cymbopogon schoenanthus

It is known as camel grass or fever grass, and it is a plant native to South Asia and North Africa. It grows to a height of approximately 1 meters, and has green leaves. From them an essential oil is extracted which is added to some personal hygiene products, such as shampoos and conditioners, scrubs or others to treat acne. It grows fast, but if frosts are registered in your area, you will have to protect it.

Lemongrass winterianus

The Lemongrass winterianus It is a plant known as Java citronella. It is native to western Malesia (it is a group of islands that are located between northern Australia and southeast Asia). It reaches a height of 1 meters, and develops elongated green leaves. The essential oil is used in perfumes and cosmetic products. But in cultivation it appears as a plant very sensitive to coldso much so that the lowest temperature it supports is 18ºC.

Which of these types of citronella did you like the most?