Cedronella canariensis, also known as Balm of Gilead or Canary Balm, is an aromatic perennial herb. Valued for its distinctive fragrance and ornamental beauty, it brings a captivating scent to any garden space. This plant is particularly valued for its aromatic foliage.
Key Characteristics of Cedronella
Cedronella canariensis is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Canary Islands, Azores, and Madeira. It grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) and a width of 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches). The plant features upright, square stems and leaves consisting of three pointed leaflets with toothed edges.
The plant produces dense, spiky clusters of tubular flowers at the stem ends, ranging from white to pink or mauve. These flowers appear in July, attracting pollinating insects. Cedronella is known for its strong, pleasant lemony-mint aroma, sometimes described as a sweet cedar-like scent, present throughout the entire plant.
Cultivating Cedronella
Light Requirements
Cedronella thrives in locations with partial to full sun exposure, ideally receiving 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. This promotes its aromatic qualities and robust growth. While it tolerates partial shade, excessive shade can lead to less vigorous growth and fewer blooms. Protecting it from intense midday sun can prevent stress, especially in hotter climates.
Soil Preferences
Cedronella requires well-drained soil and prefers a warm, sunny position. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, provided drainage is adequate. The plant tolerates a wide pH range, growing well in mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. Good drainage prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy root development.
Watering Needs
Cedronella thrives with consistent moisture, preferring evenly moist soil. While moderately drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with regular watering. A general watering schedule of once per week is often suitable. Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Temperature and Humidity
Cedronella is a frost-tender perennial, sensitive to cold temperatures. It is best suited for subtropical zones and may not survive winters in colder temperate regions without protection. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered in a protected environment like an unheated greenhouse.
Propagation
Cedronella can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds can be sown in spring in a greenhouse. Seedlings should be grown on in the greenhouse for their first winter before planting out after the last frost. Basal cuttings taken in late spring or early summer are effective; keep them in a warm, bright, and humid environment until they root. Division of larger clumps in spring is also a method for propagation.
Pruning and Maintenance
Cedronella requires minimal maintenance once established. Pruning after flowering helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages vigorous growth. If growing outdoors in frost-prone areas, take basal cuttings in early summer to ensure replacement stock in case outdoor plants do not survive winter.
Applications and Advantages of Cedronella
Cedronella offers several advantages due to its highly aromatic foliage, often used for its fragrant properties. The leaves, which emit a musky, woody, and cedar-like scent, are valued in potpourri. Its pleasant aroma also makes it a desirable ornamental addition to gardens.
Historically, the leaves have been used to prepare “Thé de Canaries,” an aromatic tea traditionally consumed for its potential to clear blocked nasal passages and alleviate cold and bronchitis symptoms. Scientific evidence supporting these medicinal claims is limited. Its attractive form and fragrant leaves also make it suitable for container cultivation, allowing its aroma to be enjoyed on patios or indoors.