This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Yes, lavender and citronella can be planted together, and doing so creates a powerhouse duo for your garden.
These two plants can be planted together successfully, but you need to understand their specific needs to make it work.
If you’re wondering whether lavender and citronella can be planted together in the same bed or container, the short answer is yes, they absolutely can.
However, there’s a twist: true citronella is a tropical grass, while the plant most people call citronella is actually a scented geranium, and each has different requirements.
In this post, we’ll explore why you can plant lavender and citronella together, the best conditions for both, and the common pitfalls to avoid.
Let’s dig in.
Why Lavender and Citronella Can Be Planted Together
Lavender and citronella can be planted together because they share a love for similar growing conditions, especially when you choose the right variety of citronella.
The key to success lies in understanding that both plants thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, which makes them natural companions.
When you plant lavender and citronella together, you also create a fragrant, pest-repelling border that benefits your entire garden.
1. They Both Crave Full Sunlight
Lavender and citronella can be planted together in a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Lavender absolutely needs that intense sun to produce its aromatic oils and stay compact.
Citronella, whether it’s the true grass or the scented geranium, also grows best when it basks in bright light all day.
If you plant lavender and citronella together in a shady corner, both will become leggy, weak, and far less fragrant.
So pick the sunniest spot you have for this pairing.
2. Well-Draining Soil Is a Must for Both
Another reason lavender and citronella can be planted together is their shared dislike for soggy roots.
Lavender originates from the rocky, dry hills of the Mediterranean, so it demands sharp drainage or it will rot quickly.
Citronella, especially the scented pelargonium variety, also hates sitting in wet soil for long periods.
When you plant lavender and citronella together, amend your garden bed with sand or perlite to boost drainage.
Raised beds and containers with plenty of holes work wonderfully for both.
3. They Offer Complementary Pest Control
Planting lavender and citronella together gives you double the pest-repelling power.
Citronella is famous for masking scents that attract mosquitoes, making it a natural deterrent in outdoor living spaces.
Lavender, on the other hand, repels moths, fleas, and flies with its strong floral fragrance.
So when you plant lavender and citronella together near a patio or doorway, you create a fragrant barrier that keeps many annoying bugs at bay.
It’s a win-win for your comfort and your garden’s health.
4. Watering Schedules Can Align Easily
When you plant lavender and citronella together, you’ll appreciate that they have very similar watering needs once established.
Both prefer to dry out slightly between waterings rather than staying constantly moist.
Lavender is drought-tolerant, and the scented citronella geranium also handles short dry spells without complaint.
Overwatering is the biggest mistake gardeners make with this duo.
So water deeply but infrequently, and you’ll keep both plants happy.
Understanding the Differences: True Citronella vs. Citronella Geranium
Before you plant lavender and citronella together, it’s essential to know which citronella you have.
There are two very different plants commonly sold as citronella.
1. True Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)
True citronella is a tall, clumping grass that can reach four to six feet in height.
If you plant lavender and true citronella together, you’ll need a lot of space because the grass will tower over the low-growing lavender.
True citronella also needs more moisture than lavender prefers, though it still needs good drainage.
This means lavender and citronella can be planted together only if you keep the grass at the back and water the lavender side less frequently.
It’s doable in large garden beds but trickier in small borders.
2. Citronella Scented Geranium (Pelargonium citrosum)
The plant most people call citronella is actually a scented geranium with lacy green leaves and a strong lemony aroma.
This variety is a much better companion for lavender.
Lavender and citronella can be planted together harmoniously when you choose this geranium type because both grow to a similar size and share identical care requirements.
The citronella geranium is tender in cold climates, just like many lavender varieties, so you can even overwinter them together in containers.
For most home gardeners, this is the ideal pairing.
Best Practices for Planting Lavender and Citronella Together
If you want to plant lavender and citronella together successfully, follow these simple guidelines for a thriving partnership.
1. Space Them Properly
When you plant lavender and citronella together, always give both enough room to breathe.
Lavender needs good airflow around its base to prevent fungal issues.
Citronella geraniums can spread up to two feet wide.
Space them at least 18 to 24 inches apart so neither overshadows the other.
2. Use a Gritty Potting Mix in Containers
Lavender and citronella can be planted together in a large container with a mix of regular potting soil and coarse sand or fine gravel.
This gritty mix ensures quick drainage, which is the single most important factor for keeping both alive.
Add a layer of small stones at the bottom of the pot to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
3. Prune Regularly to Keep Them Tidy
You can plant lavender and citronella together and keep them both looking neat with regular pruning.
Trim citronella geraniums in early spring to encourage bushier growth.
Harvest lavender stems after flowering to promote a second bloom and maintain its shape.
Pruning also improves airflow, which reduces the risk of disease.
So, Can Lavender and Citronella Be Planted Together?
Yes, lavender and citronella can be planted together, but only when you pay attention to their specific needs.
They can be planted together successfully because they both love full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent deep watering.
The best results come when you plant lavender and citronella together using the citronella scented geranium, not the giant true grass.
If you plant lavender and citronella together in a sunny spot with sandy soil, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, fragrant, and pest-repelling combination all season long.
So go ahead and give this dynamic duo a try in your garden or on your patio.
Your senses and your skin will thank you for it.