Photo credit: Michael Lemmon
Photo credit: Michael Lemmon
Pelargonium Citrosum
The Mediterranean House at Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory bursts into flower during the months of January and February providing a wonderful contrast to the barrenness outside.
One of the first plants to bloom is this amazing geranium commonly known as the Mosquito or Citronella Plant, named for the popular belief that the lemony scent of its attractive foliage can repel mosquitoes.
Scientifically the jury is still out but nonetheless the smell is intoxicating. The leaves are large and scalloped and form a dense ground cover making it a favorite border and patio plant.
Small lavender and maroon flowers will bloom in early summer.
It likes full sun, a well-drained soil, and does best in USDA Zones 9-11. As with all geraniums, they make a great container plant and can be wintered inside in a sunny window.