10 Lemon Grass Names: Exotic Varieties for Lawn and Garden Landscaping

Tired of chemical repellents that fade fast? Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is nature's answer—its potent, citrusy scent deters mosquitoes and other pests while adding tropical charm to your outdoor space. Unlike other lemon grass varieties, this one is specifically cultivated for its insect-repelling properties.

Plant it in full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-draining soil to maximize its mosquito-repelling oils. For best results, place it near seating areas, patios, or garden borders where pests linger. A single clump can protect up to 100 square feet, making it a cost-effective solution. Just be sure to harvest stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and stronger fragrance.

Perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, chemical-free way to enjoy pest-free evenings, citronella grass thrives in USDA zones 9-11 but can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors. 🌱

If you're craving that authentic Thai curry or Caribbean jerk marinade flavor, West Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is your secret weapon. This variety delivers the most intense lemony aroma of all lemon grasses, making it the gold standard for home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Grow it in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil, and watch it reach heights of 3-5 feet. The purple-tinged bases of the leaves are a visual clue that you've got the right variety for bold flavors. For best results, plant in warm climates (USDA zones 9-11) or grow it as an annual in cooler regions, harvesting the lower 6-8 inches of stalks when needed.

This is the variety you'll find in specialty markets and authentic recipes—perfect for gardeners who want to bridge their outdoor space with their kitchen. 🌟

If you’ve ever dreamed of growing lemon grass but lack space for towering varieties, Mauritius lemon grass is your perfect match. This compact gem tops out at just 2-3 feet, making it ideal for balconies, patios, and even windowsills—without sacrificing that signature citrusy aroma.

Unlike its taller cousins, this variety thrives in containers with minimal care, needing only well-draining soil and partial sun (3-6 hours daily). Its subtle purple-tinged leaves add visual interest while releasing a fresh, lemony fragrance when brushed—ideal for small urban gardens where space is precious.

Urban gardeners and apartment dwellers will love how this variety fits seamlessly into modern designs while still delivering the fragrant benefits of traditional lemon grass. 🌱

If you live near the coast and struggle with salty winds or sandy soil, coastal lemon grass (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) is your perfect hardy companion. Unlike most plants that wilt in salty conditions, this variety thrives in sandy, nutrient-poor soils and even benefits from the salty air, making it ideal for seaside gardens.

This variety grows 3-5 feet tall with slender, fragrant stalks that release a bright lemony scent when brushed. Plant it in full sun (6+ hours daily) and water moderately—it’s surprisingly drought-tolerant once established. Use it as a windbreak, privacy screen, or ornamental border along driveways or beachfront properties.

Coastal gardeners and landscapers will love how this variety reduces soil erosion while adding tropical charm. It’s also low-maintenance, requiring minimal fertilization and pest resistance. 🌻

Tired of garden paths that lack charm and fragrance? Eau de cologne grass transforms ordinary walkways into sensory experiences with its delicate, citrusy floral scent—think of a refined spa retreat right in your backyard.

This ornamental lemon grass variety grows 3-4 feet tall with slender, arching stems that gently sway in the breeze. Unlike its stronger-scented cousins, eau de cologne grass offers a softer, more elegant fragrance perfect for lining garden borders or framing entry paths. Plant it in well-drained soil with partial sun (4-6 hours daily) for best results, and watch as it creates a perfumed pathway that invites lingering strolls.

Ideal for gardeners who love low-maintenance elegance, this variety thrives in containers or borders while adding visual interest with its subtle purple-tinged bases. Perfect for those who want to enjoy lemon grass's beauty without the intense aroma of culinary varieties. ✨

Tired of unsightly fences or chain-link barriers? Malabar lemon grass grows into a 6-8 foot tall natural screen that blocks views while adding tropical elegance to your landscape. Unlike traditional privacy plants, this variety thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it perfect for both coastal and inland subtropical gardens.

Plant clumps 12-18 inches apart along property lines or near patios, where its dense foliage will quickly form an impenetrable barrier. The fragrant leaves also deter pests naturally, while the arching stalks create movement that softens hard edges. For best results, water deeply once established—this variety is surprisingly drought-tolerant once roots are settled.

This is the ideal choice for gardeners in USDA zones 9-11 who want a low-maintenance, multi-functional screen that doubles as an ornamental feature. 🌿

Looking for one plant that does double duty—adding fragrant beauty to your garden while also enhancing your kitchen? Meet lemon verbena grass, a hybrid that blends the zesty scent of lemon grass with the floral notes of verbena, creating a unique aromatic experience.

This versatile variety thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade, making it perfect for containers, borders, or even hanging baskets. Use the leaves fresh in herbal teas, marinades, or desserts—their bright, citrusy flavor pairs beautifully with berries and citrus. For ornamental use, plant it near seating areas to release its refreshing dual-scent as you brush past.

Urban gardeners and small-space growers will love this low-maintenance plant, which stays compact (2-3 feet tall) while delivering high rewards. It’s the ultimate two-in-one solution for gardeners who crave both beauty and utility. 🌿

Want to add a bold, eye-catching element to your garden without sacrificing fragrance? Silver Stripe Lemon Grass delivers the perfect solution with its striking white-striped leaves that create dramatic visual contrast in any planting scheme.

This ornamental variety grows 3-4 feet tall, making it ideal for mixed containers or as a focal point in garden beds. Unlike its culinary cousins, this variety prioritizes foliage drama over intense fragrance, though it still emits a subtle citrusy scent when brushed. Plant in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade—it thrives in both warm climates and cooler regions as long as winter temperatures stay above 20°F.

Perfect for gardeners who love textural contrast and want to elevate their outdoor spaces with minimal effort, this variety pairs beautifully with deep purple plants or rich green foliage. 🌿

Bring the tropics indoors without the space commitment! Dwarf lemon grass (Cymbopogon nardus) is the ultimate indoor herb—thriving in pots with just 3-4 hours of indirect sunlight per day. This compact variety stays under 2 feet tall, making it perfect for kitchen windowsills, balconies, or even office desks.

Unlike its taller cousins, dwarf lemon grass doesn’t need rich soil—just a well-draining potting mix and occasional watering (let the top inch dry between waterings). It’s also cold-hardy for indoor conditions, so you won’t lose it to drafts or temperature swings. Snip leaves as needed for teas, garnishes, or homemade cleaning solutions—it keeps growing back!

This is the ideal starter herb for urban gardeners, beginners, or anyone with limited outdoor space. Just add a pot and a sunny spot—no garden required! 🌱

Looking to break the monotony of green gardens? Blue Gamma Grass introduces a stunning blue-tinged foliage that creates a mesmerizing contrast against traditional greens while requiring minimal water once established.

This rare ornamental grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches heights of 2-3 feet, making it perfect for borders, containers, or mixed plantings. Its drought-resistant nature means it’s ideal for water-conscious gardeners in USDA zones 8-11, where it adds texture without demanding resources.

Perfect for modern landscapes or drought-prone regions, Blue Gamma Grass offers a low-maintenance way to introduce bold color and structure to your garden. 💚