Cedronella canariensis - Balm Of Gilead

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.5
Width:	1
Synonyms:	C. triphylla.
Range:	N. Africa - Canary Isles.

Cedronella canariensis (Balm Of Gilead) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.5m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 9and is quite resiliant to frost.
Balm Of Gilead will flower in January. the seeds ripen from February
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Balm Of Gilead will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Balm Of Gilead prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Balm Of Gilead can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

Requires a well-drained soil in a warm sunny position[182]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, usually dying overwinter even in the milder areas of the country. It can be grown as an annual however, when it will usually flower and set viable seed. Plants sometimes survive mild winters when they are grown outdoors. If you grow the plant outdoors, then it is a good idea to take basal cuttings in early summer and keep these in an unheated greenhouse over the winter. Even if your outdoor plants are killed by the cold, these greenhouse plants should survive and supply replacement stock[K]. The whole plant is very aromatic, emitting a sweet cedar-like scent[182, 200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
The leaves are used in the preparation of a tea called 'Thé de Canaries'[183]. It is very aromatic. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use[238].

• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in about 2 weeks at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Division in spring[200]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or late in the following spring. Basal cuttings in late spring or early summer[200]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The aromatic leaves are dried for use in pot-pourri with a musky woody scent[238].

• Pot-pourri - Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

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