$14.90 ($4.90-$14.90 choose a size)
This pleasant citronella smelling shrub has insect repellant qualities. Reputed to be a mosquito repellent. Just rub the leaves on the skin for temporary relief from mozzies. Essential oils can also be distilled from the leaves, with up to 1.7% of essential oil yield from fresh weight leaf. The essential oil contains citronellal, an aromatic compound renowned for repelling insects.In the garden the shrub is ideal for use as a low hedge plant, or as an ornamental specimen. On hot days the oil perfumes the air around the shrub. An attractive heath-land shrub up to 2 m in height. It has cream to pink flowers in Spring. The small bright green leaves are pleasantly citronella-scented.The plant naturally grows in sandy coastal wet heath. Full sun growing conditions is preferable. Likes open soils, but has some tolerance of heavier soils. Well adapted to poorer soils. Good frost tolerance, down to minus 6 degrees Celsius.