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Description
Pelargonium Citronellum is a species of flowering plant in the Pelargonium family. It is commonly known as the lemon-scented pelargonium because of its strong lemon fragrance. This plant is native to South Africa and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|————–|| Eukaryota | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Geraniales | Geraniaceae | Pelargonium |
Appearance
Pelargonium Citronellum is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has green, lobed leaves that are highly fragrant and release a lemon scent when crushed. The flowers are pink or purple and have five petals. They bloom in clusters from spring to fall.
Care Guide
Pelargonium Citronellum is an easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to keep it healthy:- Water: Water the plant regularly but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients.- Sunlight: Pelargonium Citronellum thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Citronellum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to yellow and fall off.- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause the flowers and leaves to rot.To prevent these issues, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and well-ventilated. Remove any infected or damaged leaves and flowers immediately.
Habitat
Pelargonium Citronellum is native to South Africa and is commonly found in rocky areas and on hillsides. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pelargonium Citronellum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Pelargonium Citronellum?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
Q: How do I propagate Pelargonium Citronellum?
A: You can propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings in the spring or summer.
Q: Is Pelargonium Citronellum toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets but can cause mild skin irritation if touched.
Related Plants
– Pelargonium Graveolens- Pelargonium Roseum- Pelargonium Radens
References
– “Pelargonium Citronellum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281920.- “Lemon-Scented Pelargonium.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 27, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17766/Pelargonium-Citronellum/Details.
