citronella plant how to trim

Question

I have a citronella plant that I started in a pot and it is in the house. it is getting so big and would like to know where and how to trim it back. As I was reading about this plant, I did not know that it would flower and this is the third one that I had. Since the other 2 I had, all I did was water and never saw the flowers. I really want to know more on this. I know how to trim roses. Is this done the same way?

Answer 1

Depending on how the citronella plant is growing, it may be possible to divide it. If you are growing Pelargonium 'citrosum', which is the geranium that smells like citronella, you can look to see if you have multiple plants. This plant grows in rosettes, and each plant is its own rosette. You can separate these rosettes and repot them each in their own container.

If your are growing Cymbopogon, also called lemon grass or citronella grass, this can just be divided as you like.

Both plants respond well to pruning as well. You just cut back the plant by about a 1/3, and it does not matter much where the cuts are made.

Roses are a different matter though. This article will help you with pruning those:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/pruning-roses.htm