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Van Leenii Citronella Geranium

Van Leenii Citronella Geranium

PELARGONIUM citrosum 'Van Leenii'

Blooms Spring through Fall
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Ships as 4"
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Common Name(s)
Citrosa 'Mosquito Fighter', Citronella
Sunlight
Full Sun (6+ hrs) or Partial Sun / Shade (3-6 hrs)
Watering
Let dry
Max Height
4'–6'
Max Spread
Over 24"
Special Features
Deer resistant
Garden Design Role
Bedding
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Lifespan
Annual
Growing Habit
Mounding, Bushy, Compact
Drought Resistance
Moderate drought resistance
Bloom Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Green
Stem Color
Green, Purple/Black
Themes
Pretty in Pink, Confetti, Pastel
Genus
Pelargonium
Family
Geraniaceae
Ship Size
4"

Van Leenii Citronella Geranium (Pelargonium citrosum) is the ultimate "functional" plant for your outdoor living spaces. Famous for its powerful lemon-scented foliage, this variety is highly effective at driving away mosquitoes and other pests, especially when temperatures and humidity are high. Its ability to act as a natural mosquito repellent makes it a must-have for patios, decks, and poolside seating areas.

This vigorous perennial features deeply lobed, lace-like green leaves and produces delicate pink flowers. While it can grow into a substantial 5-foot shrub in the garden, it is easily kept compact in decorative pots. 'Van Leenii' is remarkably adaptable—it thrives in the summer sun but also transitions seamlessly into an easy-care indoor houseplant during the winter months. Its drought-tolerant and deer-resistant nature makes it a reliable performer for low-maintenance landscapes.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Natural Pest Control: Intense lemon fragrance helps keep mosquitoes and flies at bay.
  • Versatile Growth: Thrives outdoors in the sun and functions perfectly as an indoor windowsill plant.
  • Resilient & Hardy: Exceptionally drought tolerant and naturally resistant to deer.
  • Beautiful Pink Blooms: Adds a touch of soft color to its highly aromatic, textured foliage.
  • Fast Growing: Quickly establishes itself to provide a lush, green presence in any garden or pot.

This 4-inch healthy live plant thrives in full sun (or partial shade in hotter climates) and prefers well-drained soil. Avoid overwatering, as this variety prefers to dry out between waterings. While it is frost-tender, it can be easily overwintered indoors in a bright spot. Hardy in USDA Zone 8, the Van Leenii Citronella Geranium is your best defense for a comfortable, pest-free summer evening.

Van Leenii Citronella Geranium