If you like plants, one of the reasons why you may have this hobby is because of the aroma they give off. And it is that, sometimes, not only flowering plants smell, there are also others whose leaves scent the place where they are. So, how about we give you some plants that smell like lemon? It is a smell that pleases many, and the truth is that, in nature, there are many options to choose from.
But, can't you name more than one or two? Don't worry, we've made a list with plants that smell like lemon so you have a choice. Which ones would you stay with?
Melissa officinalis
Inside the plants that smell like lemon, the Melissa officinalis is one of the best known. However, it is not so much because of its scientific name. But if we tell you that it is the well-known lemongrass plant or lemon leaf, things will change.
We are talking about an evergreen plant. It is native to southern Europe and is characterized by having toothed leaves and a very intense green color.. In summer it produces flowers, which can be white or light pink. These flowers are the ones that, when they are squeezed, or you rub the petals, give off that lemony smell.
In fact, sometimes the leaves themselves also have a certain smell of this citrus.
Lemongrass geranium
Also marketed as Pelargonium Citronella Mosquito, since it is usually sold especially in the summer months to combat mosquitoes due to that lemon smell it has.
This plant is Originally from South Africa and it is the leaves that have that smell, not so much the flowers. Actually, they behave like normal geraniums, but when you move the leaves, touch or rub them, you will instantly notice that lemony smell.
Citronella
Also called citronella Cymbopogon citratus or lemon grass, is another of the plants that smell of lemon just as well known as the previous one. It is also marketed in summer, mainly due to that smell that mosquitoes do not like (and in this way they try not to enter the houses).
It is native to Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia, and is characterized by having some elongated leaves that arise practically from the ground in the form of bushes. These are the ones with that lemon scent, but it also gives flowers. For this, spikes are formed from which the flowering is grouped.
Yes, It is not easy to keep because it needs a warm climate and does not tolerate cold.Hence, many, in winter, perish by being outside (or even indoors).
lemon scented trees
If you want to have not a small plant but a big tree, which also smells like lemon, then we can give you some suggestions. And there are some trees that have a lemon aroma, either in the leaves or even in the bark. Search Eucalyptus staigeriana, Leptospermum petersonii or Acronychi acidula. Better known as the lemon eucalyptus, lemon tea tree or aspen.
In itself, only when it is hot will it give off that smell, as a general rule, if it does not move or if the sun does not hit it, the smell will not emanate.
lemon thyme
Its scientific name is Thymus citriodorus, which already tells you that it is a plant with a citrus smell. In this case, lemon thyme is native to the Mediterranean. It is fairly tough, like most thymes, and is very easily grown in the garden.
Yes, It requires moist soils and a lot of direct sun.
Regarding its characteristics, it has rather small leaves, and instead of green they are yellow or almost golden. When you rub or squash them they have that lemon scent.
Lemongrass
This is one of the also known lemon smelling plants. It's about the Cymbopogon citratus, originally from Asia. It is characterized by being perennial and born in a group, and can be quite tall. It is the stems, and the leaves themselves that smell like lemon. But unlike other plants, this It just has a very mild scent. It is not as intense as in others.
Lemon verbena
In this case, this plant that we present to you is actually deciduous. It is from South America and is also found in Central America and the most striking thing about the plant is its leaves.
It is quite dense in terms of this and it is the leaves themselves that smell like lemon. However, you should know that, even dry, they also retain that citrus aroma, which is why many use them both on the plant and by collecting the leaves to aromatize spaces.
Of course, it is one of the plants that will need the most sun, as well as a humid soil to be able to develop correctly.
lemon mint
You will surely know the mint plant. However, what about the lemon mint? It is similar and we talk about the Monarda citriodora. It is an annual or biennial plant (it depends a lot on the plant). Its origin is in North America and unlike mint, it offers a lemon aroma.
At the end of the plant's season, that scent changes a bit, and some say it smells like oregano., so you should know it just in case.
lemon mint
And speaking of more well-known plants, but with their variations, in addition to lemon mint, you can also get lemon mint. In this case, instead of smelling like mint, you will get a plant that smells like that citrus.
It's not easy to find but it can be done. Has a fairly strong and pleasant fragrance, but if you have cats it can be a problem because for them the smell that this plant gives off is not pleasant.
As you can see, there are many plants that smell of lemon that you can decide to have. Our recommendation is that, since some can be kept indoors and others outdoors, to achieve an "air freshener" effect throughout your home, you could place a few around your house and others outside. Of course, remember that each one has its own needs and that you must meet them to make them last a long time. Which one would you stay with?