13 Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants That Actually Look Beautiful in Your Garden

Lemongrass

Why Lemongrass Feels So Lush

If you want height and movement, lemongrass is a winner. It has that fountain-like shape that makes even a simple patio setup feel styled on purpose.

It’s famous because of its citronella-rich fragrance, which is why it’s often linked to outdoor mosquito control plants. And honestly, it looks way prettier than most people expect.

Lemongrass vs. “Citronella Plant” Confusion

Garden center labels can get messy here. True lemongrass is not the same thing as every plant sold as a “citronella plant,” and that mix-up trips people up constantly.

Lemongrass is a grassy clump used in cooking and garden design. The so-called citronella plant is often a scented geranium, which we’re covering next.

Growing Tips That Matter

This plant loves heat, sun, and regular moisture, especially in containers. I use a large pot because it gets big fast, and cramped roots make it look cranky.

In colder zones, treat it like an annual or bring a pot indoors before frost. If you live in places with shorter summers, starting with a larger nursery plant gives you a head start.

Where to Place It

I like lemongrass near patios, decks, and outdoor dining spaces where its scent and shape can really work. It’s especially good as a thriller plant in the classic thriller-filler-spiller container formula.

Next, let’s talk about the leafy beauty people confuse with citronella all the time, so hit the next button below for scented geranium.