Ask Janet Reference Desk AR Home & Garden

Herbs - Scented Geraniums
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 (February) I bought a mosquito plant last spring and it did great in a large pot. I put it in my green house for the winter and now the lower leaves turned yellow and dropped off. What do I need to do with it? If I cut it back will I kill it? Any help would be appreciated.

 Mosquito plants are a scented geranium that smells a bit like citronella–thus the common name. Make sure you aren’t watering too much, but you can cut them back as much as you like. As you cut them back, root some of the cuttings to make more plants. Scented geraniums are extremely easy to root. The whole plant should begin to bush out, once you have pruned it.

  (October) I have several plants that I would like to keep over the winter. Mosquito plant, Mexican heather and begonias. Are any of these winter hardy in central Arkansas? If so, what can I do to get them through? If not, how can I over winter them inside? Also, do I need to cover my gardenia bush for the winter and if so what is the best material to use for cover?

  Except for the gardenia, none of the plants you mentioned are reliably winter hardy in central Arkansas. Mexican heather and some begonias have managed to survive a few of our winters, but you shouldn’t count on it. To guarantee these plants back in your garden next season, you will need to either move them indoors or take cuttings for new starts. I would advocate the latter, if these plants are in the ground. The mosquito plant -- a scented geranium is not going to make it, even with extra mulch, so move it indoors or store it in your garage. For the Mexican heather and begonias, after taking some cuttings, add extra mulch when the weather turns cool and see what you have next spring. Gardenias only need protection if the weather gets below 15 to 20 degrees. If needed, cover with something porous -- a sheet, blanket, or cardboard box.

  I have a citronella plant that had grown to about three feet in height. I had it outside until the weather turned cold, then brought it inside. I took care of it the same way I had been, but now it is dying. Help! 

  Make sure you aren’t giving it too much water. Geraniums have thicker stems than most herbaceous plants, and once inside they don’t go through as much water as they do outside. Put it in the coolest room in your house, and really let it dry out in between waterings. You might also insure some survival by taking some viable cuttings and rooting them.

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