Cedronella canariensis aka Balm Of Gilead

Cedronella canariensis is a scented perennial in the mint family. Gardeners know it as Canary balm or balm of Gilead. Kew lists its form as a perennial or subshrub. Its native range is Macaronesia, a group of Atlantic islands. Other sources name the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira. It comes from a subtropical region and is not native to Britain.

Plants reach about 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall in cultivation. Their spread reaches about 3.3 feet (1 metre). The whole plant gives off a sweet scent like cedar. Its leaves retain a woody, musky smell when dried. Growers use it as an ornamental garden plant. Its scent also gives it value among other scented plants. The sources do not describe its leaf shape or stems.

Plants For A Future gives July as the flowering month. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and seeds ripen in August. Plants grown as annuals can flower and produce viable seed. The supplied accounts do not describe flower colour or fruit shape. Leaves provide an aromatic tea known as Thé de Canaries. Gather them before flowering, then dry them for later use. Dried leaves also go into potpourri. Neither plant-use source lists medicinal uses or known hazards. These reports do not establish safety for pets.

Choose a warm, sunny spot with soil that drains well. The plant also grows in light shade and prefers moist soil. It accepts sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Suggested garden sites include light woodland shade and south-facing or west-facing walls. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11 but warns of frost damage. Plants often die through winter in Britain, even in mild areas. Some survive mild winters outdoors, but cold remains a concern.

Grow it as an annual where winter survival is doubtful. Sow seed in spring under glass for a protected start. Germination takes about two weeks at 15°C. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside after the last expected frost has passed. Spring division and basal cuttings offer other ways to propagate it. Keep rooted backup plants in an unheated greenhouse over winter. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases.