Balm Of Gilead, Herb of gilead
Cedronella canariensis

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Cedronella canariensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Not known

N. Africa - Canary Isles.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves are used in the preparation of a tea called 'Thé de Canaries'. It is very aromatic. The leaves are best harvested before the plant comes into flower and are dried for later use.

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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

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

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil in a warm sunny position. 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. The whole plant is very aromatic, emitting a sweet cedar-like scent.

Propagating it: 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. Division in spring. 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. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. triphylla.