The divergence between the citronella flora and citronella grass is quite significant , despite the fact that they share the same nickname . It ’s important to mark that they belong to to unlike genus and are not relate to each other in any way .
Firstly , let ’s verbalise about the citronella industrial plant . This plant is actually a variety of geranium , which you might encounter in your flower bed . It is scientifically get it on as Pelargonium citrosum . The folio of the citronella plant life are often used for their lemony bouquet , which is believed to repel insects such as mosquito . Many people mistakenly believe that planting citronella geranium will keep mosquitoes aside , but the effectiveness of this is still debated among expert .
On the other hired man , the citronella grass , also known as Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus , is more similar to your distinctive grass . It is a perennial grass that can mature up to 6 foot tall and is native to tropic regions . The essential oil excerpt from the leaves of citronella grass is usually used as an insect repellent in candles , nebuliser , and program . It has a strong , citrusy smell that is believed to cloak the olfactory property that pull in mosquito and other biting insects .
In term of appearance , the citronella plant and citronella grass also have distinct difference . The citronella industrial plant , with its geranium - same leave-taking , has a more compact and shaggy-haired growth habit . It usually reaches a height of only 1 to 2 feet and produces pocket-sized , pinkish or lavender flower . On the other hand , the citronella Mary Jane has long , slender blade that resemble common grass metal money . It spring clod and can grow quite tall , as mention earlier .
When it comes to cultivation , the citronella industrial plant is often develop in containers or as cosmetic plants in garden . It prefer full sun and well - draining dirt . unconstipated pruning is recommend to maintain its compact shape . On the other hired hand , citronella sess is typically turn in large outdoor spaces , especially in tropical area . It requires copious sun , regular watering , and periodic prune to forbid it from becoming overgrown .
The citronella plant life and citronella grass may share a sobriquet , but they are from different genuses and have distinct characteristics . The citronella plant is more standardized to a geranium , while the citronella forage is more standardized to typical pot coinage . Their uses and refinement requirements also differ . understand these deviation is essential for anyone interested in using these plants for their dirt ball - repelling properties or for decorative purposes in their garden .
Caroline Bates
