Heard of "citronella geramiums" anyone?

I saw these at my local nursery about a month ago and planted them. Sure enough, they do smell like citronella! I rustle 'em and they smell! Not sure if it's effective at keeping away the little mosquitos!! But..... they are struggling... and I haven't seen a bloom yet! Does anyone know if they are supposed to bloom??? If so, what am I doing wrong? (Maybe this question should be posted one another forum??)
-JSS =:0))))

This message was edited Wednesday, Jul 25th 12:07 PM

OOPS!! Sorry - I misspelled "geraniums!!" that's what happens when my eyes and brain go faster than my fingers!!-JSS =:0))))

I've never got mine to bloom either. Run your arms through the leaves for mosquito repellent. Supposed to be a good air freshener potted inside.

Tried rooting a cutting in water and it rotted. Am trying in wet soil now.

I would be very interested in knowing if anyone has got theirs to bloom.

Thanks JanetR! Hopefully someone will know something! I'm really curious to know if it is supposed to flower!! Stangely enough I do enjoy the citronella smell somewhat!
-JSS

Mine blooms intermittently, but the blooms are small and unimpressive. I use it more as greenery and fragrance. I think that they like hot and not so wet situations. I have mine planted in planter with pineapple sage, and when it starts to dry the sage withers, but the geranium never even notices. It just gets bigger.

Mine are in bloom now, but I usually snip the flowers off because, like Birdie, I keep them for their scent and their attractive foliage. The blooms are very nondescript. You should be able to propagate them in soil. I've had good luck that way. I think the claim that they are a mosquito repellant is a bit of an old wive's tale, but must admit, I've never given them the chance to prove themselves! Janet may be right. I'll give it a try!
C.

I have a small Citronella "plant', never thught of it as a geranium. I just got a cutting a couple of years ago and it has grown but never bloomed. I think you have to rub the leaves on your skin to get the No Bug advantage.

If you crush the leaves on your skin the mosquitos will stay away from you, but you can tear up your plant quickly that way. I will occasionally do it in desperation when I'm out there. The mosquitos come close, but then leave.
birdie

Sure do need some of that plant!!!

I got more of those little pests than I have sunshine. Where to get it, please!

caz

I got one at a small local nursery and one at the grocery store.

Scented Geraniums do bloom but not to impressive the attraction to them is the scented leaves..... I would love to trade for a cutting of this one if you have it let me know thanks.
Peggy

Peggy, I've never done a trade yet and especially not with cuttings. I'm not sure if I can send and receive cuttings across the border (I'm in Canada). I'm willing to give it a whirl if I'm not going to have hassles with customs. You might want to ask Birdie first, as you won't have to deal with international regulations.

Okay, you all- I'll try to root some cuttings tomorrow and see what happens! I'm new at this! But I'll give it my "Best Shot" and let ya all know- Carique, Mystic!
-JSS

Hey Janet I don't think we can send plants cutting etc to Canada...... I have traded seeds with people from Canada and would be glad to trade seeds with you.... I am just now starting to collect seeds and its rained for 3 days so I hope it didn't wash out any of them. lol JSS I would love a cutting if you get it going let me know thanks a bunch. I am sure I can find something you want to trade. lol

No prob- I'll let everyone know if the cuttings are successful- I'm new at this ya know! I could do it today 'cause it was raining out and I didn;t want to melt! tee-hww! So.. I'll try manana!
-JSS

Mystic, are you looking for anything specific? I haven't got much to trade at this point.

Let's see

I've got
Yellow portulaca
Rose campion (Lychnis coronaria)
Pink musk mallow (Malva moschata)
Marigolds
Parsley (lots)

Some wildflowers
Birdfoot trefoil (a kind of clover with brilliant yellow flowers)
Queen Anne's lace
Can probably get coneflower seeds, purple and yellow

Think that's it for now.

Anything appeal to you?