Citronella Plant Vs Lemongrass

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a citronella plant vs lemongrass, you’re not alone. These two popular plants are often confused, but their aromatic profiles are quite distinct. Knowing how to tell them apart can help you choose the right one for your garden, your kitchen, or your patio.

Both plants share a fresh, citrusy scent that most people find pleasant. This similarity is because they are related and contain some of the same aromatic compounds. However, the devil is in the details—and the details of their smells are very different once you know what to look for.

Let’s clear up the biggest confusion first. The plant commonly sold as the “citronella plant” in garden centers is usually a scented geranium, Pelargonium citrosum. True citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is a different species entirely and is not typically sold as an ornamental plant. For this article, we’ll focus on the aromatic differences of the common “citronella plant” (the geranium) and culinary lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus).

The Aromatic Profile of Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a staple in many Asian cuisines. Its scent is bright, clean, and powerfully lemony.

Primary Note: A strong, true lemon fragrance, similar to lemon zest or lemon peel.
Secondary Notes: It has a sweet, grassy undertone that reminds you it’s a fresh herb.
Intensity: The scent is strong and immediate when you crush or cut a stalk.
Culinary Association: Its aroma is directly linked to food—think Thai curries, soups, and teas.

When you brush against a lemongrass plant, it releases a refreshing burst of citrus that feels clean and appetizing. The oil is concentrated in the thick, stalky base of the plant.

The Aromatic Profile of the Citronella Plant

The citronella geranium has a more complex and, to some, a sharper scent profile.

Primary Note: A sharp, pungent lemon scent, but it’s less like fresh fruit and more like a cleaning product or citronella candle.
Secondary Notes: It carries distinct earthy, woody, and even slightly musty undertones.
Intensity: The fragrance is strong but often feels heavier and less “bright” than lemongrass.
Functional Association: Its smell is linked to mosquito repellent. For many people, the aroma immediately brings to mind summer evenings on the patio.

The leaves of the citronella plant are where the oils are. Crushing a leaf releases its full, potent fragrance.

Side-by-Side Scent Comparison

The best way to learn the difference is to experience them both. Here’s a simple test you can do.

Gather Samples: Get one leaf from a citronella geranium and one stalk of fresh lemongrass.
Crush and Sniff: Gently crush the citronella leaf between your fingers. Then, bend or bruise the lemongrass stalk.
Analyze: Smell each one separately. Note your first impression. Does it smell like food or like a candle? Is it sweet or sharp?
Wait a Moment: The initial burst of scent will fade. Notice the lingering aroma. Lemongrass often leaves a lighter, sweeter trace, while citronella can leave a sharper, more resinous note.

Why Do They Smell Similar Yet Different?

Both plants contain a compound called citronellal. This is what gives them their shared lemony character. However, the balance of other compounds creates the divergence.

Lemongrass is high in a compound called citral, which is responsible for that pure, sweet lemon scent.
Citronella has higher concentrations of geraniol and other compounds that add the heavier, earthier, and more pungent notes we associate with insect repellent.

It’s like two musicians playing the same note, but with different instruments and accompaniments. The result is a unique peice of music from each plant.

Practical Uses Based on Their Aromas

Their distinctive smells make them suited for completely different tasks.

Best Uses for Lemongrass

Cooking: The fresh, culinary lemon flavor is perfect for soups, stir-fries, marinades, and teas.
Potpourri & Air Fresheners: Its bright scent makes it great for natural, uplifting home fragrances.
Relaxing Teas & Baths: Lemongrass is commonly used in herbal teas and bath products for its soothing aroma.

Best Uses for Citronella Plant

Mosquito Deterrent: The primary use. Planting it around seating areas or crushing leaves to rub on skin (with caution) can help repel bugs.
Decorative Container Plant: Its lacy leaves and trailing habit make it a nice patio plant that also offers a functional scent.
Natural Candle Scent: The leaves can be used to infuse oils for homemade candles, though it’s not for consumption.

Remember, the citronella plant is not for eating. Its aroma is for functional and decorative purposes only.

Growing Them for Their Scent

To get the best fragrance from your plants, they need proper care. Healthy plants produce more aromatic oils.

Growing Lemongrass

Sun: Needs full sun (6-8 hours daily) for strong growth and oil production.
Water: Keep it consistently moist. It’s a tropical grass that thrives with plenty of water.
Soil: Use well-draining soil. It grows fast and can be harvested by cutting stalks at the base.
Tip: The more you harvest, the more it encourages new, fragrant growth.

Growing Citronella Plant (Geranium)

Sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering.
Soil: Requires excellent drainage. A standard potting mix with some perlite works well.
Tip: Pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth, which means more fragrant leaves.

Both plants are tender perennials and should be brought indoors before the first frost if you live in a cooler climate. They can be grown in pots quite successfully, which makes this easy to do.

Common Mistakes in Identification

Here are a few reasons why people mix up these plants.

Misleading Names: The “citronella plant” name causes the most confusion. Always check the botanical name.
Visual Similarity: Both have long, grassy-looking leaves (though the citronella geranium’s are more lacy and palmate).
Casual Scent Test: A quick sniff might only register “lemony,” missing the deeper, sharper notes of citronella.

The safest way to tell is the crush test. If it smells like something you’d cook with, it’s lemongrass. If it smells strongly of bug spray, it’s the citronella geranium.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Can I use citronella plant in cooking like lemongrass?

No. The citronella plant (Pelargonium) is not edible and should not be consumed. It is for ornamental and functional use only.

Which plant is better at repelling mosquitoes?

The citronella plant is specifically bred and known for its mosquito-repelling properties. While lemongrass contains some repellent compounds, it is not as effective. For the best results, the citronella plant is the clear choice.

Do they smell different when burned or steeped?

Yes, the difference becomes even more pronounced. Steeped lemongrass makes a fragrant, lemony tea. Burning or heating citronella leaves intensifies its sharp, characteristic repellent smell.

Can I grow them together?

You can, as their growing requirements are somewhat similar (lots of sun, good drainage). However, planting them side-by-side might make it harder to distinguish their scents unless you’re very familiar with them.

Is the oil from both plants the same?

No. Lemongrass essential oil and citronella essential oil are distinct products with different chemical profiles and uses. Citronella oil is a common ingredient in natural repellents, while lemongrass oil is used in aromatherapy and cleaning products for its fresh scent.

Understanding the distinctive aromatic differences between citronella plant vs lemongrass helps you use each one to its full potential. One is a kitchen hero with a bright, edible fragrance. The other is a garden guardian with a sharp, functional aroma. Now that you can tell them apart, you can confidently choose the right plant for your needs and enjoy there unique qualities in your home and garden.