Marigolds and lavender are citronella's best garden buddies.

Yes. Marigolds, lavender, and basil are the most reliable companions for citronella.

Marigolds are the heavy lifters here. They repel nematodes, aphids, and a bunch of other pests that citronella doesn’t bother with. Together they create a stronger pest-deterrent zone. Lavender is a great neighbor because it attracts pollinators and also repels mosquitoes—so you get double the bug defense without competing for sunlight or water. Basil is a classic companion because it’s low-growing, doesn’t mind partial shade from taller citronella, and its scent confuses pests further.

One thing to avoid: don’t plant citronella near beans or tomatoes. It can stunt their growth. Also, citronella grass (the real mosquito-repelling kind) is a clumping grass that gets big—give it space so it doesn’t