As the warm weather approaches, many people dream of spending their evenings outside, on a balcony, terrace or in the garden, without being bothered by mosquitoes. While some people opt for citronella candles or repellent sprays, there is a more natural, aesthetic and effective solution. This undemanding plant, which blooms generously and has a powerful fragrance, is full of assets. And the good news is that now is the time to plant it.
A PLANT WITH A THOUSAND VIRTUES FOR A CALMER SUMMER
Often confused with the geranium, the pelargonium is different in more ways than one. Its leaves are more aromatic, its flowers more delicate, and its ability to repel insects, particularly mosquitoes, far more formidable. Some varieties, such as Pelargonium citrosum, are even cultivated specifically for this property.
This lemony fragrance, which you can smell immediately as you brush against the leaves, is not to the taste of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are highly sensitive to odours and naturally avoid areas where this plant is present. So it’s a great way to make the most of summer evenings outdoors, without having to bother with chemicals.
But pelargonium does more than just scare away pests. It adds beauty to the space with its bright colours – pink, mauve, red, white – and its often ornamental, lacy foliage. A real feast for the eyes, and a fragrance that perfumes evenings from the first rays of spring.
WHY PLANT A PELARGONIUM NOW?
Pelargonium is a warm-weather plant. It fears sub-zero temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. That’s why early spring, as soon as the frosts have passed, is the ideal time to plant them. In March-April, temperatures ease and light becomes more generous, perfect conditions for it to root well and quickly develop its first flowers.
If you plant now, you’ll have a well-developed plant for May-June, ready to perfume your evenings and protect your terrace from the first waves of mosquitoes. On the other hand, planting too late can delay flowering and limit its repellent effect.
WHERE AND HOW TO INSTALL YOUR PELARGONIUM?
Pelargoniums are very easy to grow. It thrives in full sun or part shade, and is equally at home in pots or in the ground. On a balcony, a well-exposed window box will suit it perfectly. In the garden, it can also border a pathway or decorate a bed.
Choose a light, well-drained, rich soil, ideally enriched with a little compost. Regular but moderate watering is all that’s needed: it’s better to let the soil dry out slightly between two applications of water than to flood it. Be careful, too much moisture can cause root rot.
Varieties with fragrant foliage are particularly recommended for optimum mosquito control. Some have leaves reminiscent of lemon, mint or even rose. Don’t hesitate to place them near living areas, such as tables, garden furniture or hammocks: where mosquitoes like to come and disturb you, your Pelargonium will act as a scented sentinel.
GENEROUS FLOWERING RIGHT THROUGH TO AUTUMN
Once established, Pelargoniums require little maintenance. All you need to do is remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous flowering. With a little fertiliser for flowering plants every fortnight, it can produce flowers until October, or even longer in regions with a mild climate.
You can also preserve your Pelargoniums from one year to the next. In autumn, before the first frosts, all you have to do is put the pots under cover or take cuttings to overwinter them. This means you don’t have to buy new plants every year, and it’s easy to multiply specimens.
A PRECIOUS ALLY FOR AN ECO-RESPONSIBLE GARDEN
By choosing Pelargonium, you’re doing something simple but effective for your comfort… and for the environment. By limiting the use of chemical repellents, you’re protecting both your health and that of local biodiversity. Pelargonium repels mosquitoes, but attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which come to feed on its flowers.
So it’s a natural, decorative, fragrant and useful solution that’s within everyone’s reach. Even novice gardeners can adopt it without fear. A simple, well-exposed planter can be all you need to create a real plant barrier against mosquitoes.
A PLANT THAT HAS EVERYTHING TO PLEASE, AS LONG AS YOU THINK ABOUT IT AT THE RIGHT TIME
Pelargonium ticks all the boxes: beautiful, fragrant, easy to live with and protective. And now’s the time to install it to reap all the benefits this summer. If you’re looking for a natural, decorative solution to the problem of mosquitoes, look no further than Pelargonium.
