How to Prune Citronella (anti-mosquito plant)

Pelargonium citronellum

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Prune your Citronella plant in spring, once new growth is underway, typically March through May. Focus on cutting back long, leggy stems to just above a leaf node to encourage bushy, fragrant new growth. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it.

When is the best time to prune?

Citronella plants are tender perennials in zones 9–11, so pruning timing depends on whether you grow it outdoors year-round or bring it inside over winter.

Pacific

Mar–Apr

Mountain

May–Jun

Midwest

Apr–May

Northeast

Apr–May

Southeast

Feb–Mar

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Why Should I Prune My Citronella (anti-mosquito plant)?

Citronella plants get leggy fast. Without regular pruning, stems stretch toward the light and the base of the plant becomes woody and bare. Cutting back those long stems encourages the plant to put out bushy side shoots, which is exactly what you want for a full, fragrant plant.

The best time to prune is in spring when you see new growth starting. If you grow yours outdoors in a warm climate, late winter works too. For plants that spend winter indoors, wait until you move them back outside before doing any hard cutting.

Cut each stem back to just above a healthy leaf node. Those nodes are where new side shoots will sprout. You can trim lightly throughout the growing season to keep the shape tidy, but the main shaping session should happen once a year in spring.

Avoid cutting into the older woody base of the plant. If you cut below all the green growth, the stem may not recover. Stick to cutting green growth and leaving the woody structure intact.

Know Before You Cut

Difficulty Easy

Max removal 1/3 of total growth per session

Growth pattern Bushy shrub

Tools Sharp pruners or scissors

What Should I Remove?

Cut leggy stems back to a healthy leaf node

Remove any dead, brown, or mushy stems

Trim spent flower heads to tidy the plant

Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness

Don't cut into the woody base below all green growth

Don't prune more than 1/3 of the plant at once

Don't prune in fall or winter when growth slows

How Do I Prune Step by Step?

Wait for spring growth to begin

Start pruning once you see new leaves emerging in spring. Pruning too early, before any active growth, stresses the plant without giving it the energy to bounce back.

Remove dead and damaged stems first

Cut out any completely dead or brown stems at the base. Also remove stems that look diseased or have mushy spots.

Cut back leggy stems to a leaf node

Find the long, bare stems stretching away from the plant center. Cut each one back to just above a healthy leaf node, leaving at least two or three sets of leaves on the stem.

Pinch soft growing tips for bushiness

Pinch off the very tips of new side shoots throughout the growing season. This makes the plant branch out rather than growing straight up.

Clean up and water

Remove all trimmed material from around the plant. Water the plant after pruning to help it recover and push out new growth.

Got More Questions?

Can I prune my Citronella plant in summer?

Light trimming in summer is fine. Deadhead spent flowers and pinch back tips to keep the shape tidy. Save the hard shaping cuts for spring when growth is vigorous.

My Citronella plant got very leggy and woody. Can I cut it back hard?

You can cut back into green growth pretty aggressively, but avoid cutting all the way into the bare woody base. If most of the green is at the top of long stems, cut the stems in half and let the plant fill back in over the season.

Will pruning make my Citronella smell stronger?

Pruning itself doesn't change fragrance strength, but a bushier plant with more leaves simply releases more scent when brushed. Regular trimming keeps the plant full, so indirectly yes.

Should I prune before bringing it indoors for winter?

A light trim before moving indoors is helpful to remove damaged growth, but don't do a hard prune at this time. Save the main shaping session for spring when the plant is actively growing again.

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About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Pruning guidance verified against Pelargonium citronellum growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

713+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 9a–11b

Citations:
Royal Horticultural Society

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