Cedronella canariensis (Canary Balm)

 

Cedronella canariensis. Complete Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name Breakdown:

• Cedronella - From Greek "kedron" (cedar) + diminutive "-ella" = "little cedar-like plant"
• canariensis - "from the Canary Islands" or "of the Canaries"

Common Names:

• Cedronella, Canary Islands-balm, Canary balm, and Balm-of-Gilead

Plant Description:

Cedronella canariensis is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Endemic to the Canary Islands, it grows naturally in laurel forests and pine woodlands at higher elevations, particularly on Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria.

Physical Characteristics:

• Subshrub growing 1-2 metres in height
• Opposite, serrated leaves that are highly aromatic when crushed
• Complex scent: mixture of cedar, lemon, and camphor
• Small white or pale pink flowers in terminal spikes
• Evergreen in suitable climates

Growing Requirements

Climate:

• Subtropical climate with mild temperatures year-round
• Optimal temperature range: 15-25°C
• Can tolerate brief periods down to 5°C but is frost-sensitive
• Prefers high humidity, especially atmospheric moisture

Natural Habitat:

• Elevations between 400-1,500 metres
• Cloud forest zones with regular mist and fog
• Benefits from morning dew and atmospheric moisture

Light Conditions:

• Partial shade to filtered sunlight
• Can handle some direct sun but prefers protection during hottest parts of the day
• In nature, grows under laurel forest canopy

Soil Requirements:

• Well-draining, fertile soil
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
• Rich in organic matter
• Essential: good drainage - cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions

Watering:

• Consistent moisture but not waterlogged
• Regular watering during growing season
• Can tolerate some drought once established
• High atmospheric humidity more important than soil moisture

Suitable Locations:

• Temperate coastal regions with mild winters
• Greenhouse cultivation in cooler climates
• Container growing with winter protection in cold areas

Propagation Methods

1. Division (Easiest Method)

• Best done in spring when new growth begins
• Carefully dig up part of plant with roots attached
• Divide into sections ensuring each has roots and shoots
• Larger divisions can go straight into garden
• Smaller sections should be potted up first

2. Basal Cuttings (Very Effective)

• Take in late spring or early summer
• Select young shoots 10-15cm long from the base
• Include some underground stem/root section
• Pot individually and keep in light shade until well-rooted

3. Stem Cuttings

• Take 10-15cm cuttings from healthy stems
• Remove lower leaves
• Use well-draining potting mix
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Place in bright, indirect light

Optimal Timing: Late spring extending into summer for most propagation methods.

Maintenance & Care

Pruning & Deadheading:

• Prune in late winter or early spring
• Remove dead or damaged stems
• Shape the plant by cutting back about one-third
• Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages continued blooming
• Use clean, sharp pruning shears
• Avoid excessive pruning to prevent stress

Fertilising:

• Light feeding with diluted ~1:10 worm leachate applied every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn)
• Annual application of organic compost or well-rotted manure in spring
• Avoid over fertilising as this can reduce aromatic oils

Seasonal Care:

• Spring: Major pruning, fertilising, propagation
• Summer: Regular watering and deadheading
• Autumn: Reduce watering, collect seeds if desired
• Winter: Minimal maintenance, frost protection if necessary

Mulching: Apply around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Pest Management & IPM Uses

Natural Pest Control Properties:

• Strong aromatic foliage repels mosquitoes in garden and house
• Fresh foliage can be placed in chicken nesting houses to repel mites
• Strong balsam, lemon and camphor-like odour deters various insects

Practical Applications:

• Companion planting near outdoor seating areas
• Border plantings around vegetable gardens
• Crush fresh leaves for natural mosquito repellent
• Use fresh cuttings in poultry housing
• Hang dried foliage bundles as natural deterrent
• Fresh sprigs indoors help deter flying insects

Traditional Uses:

• Used by indigenous Guanche people and in Canarian folk medicine
• Respiratory ailments and digestive issues
• General tonic properties
• Leaves dried for herbal teas
• Ornamental and aromatic garden plant

Potential Issues:

• Generally hardy once established
• Can be container-grown and moved to protection in colder weather
• Main challenge: replicating high humidity of native cloud forest environment

Growing in Coastal areas:

Coastal locations often provide ideal conditions due to:

• Stable, moderate temperatures
• Higher atmospheric humidity from ocean proximity
• Natural moisture from sea breezes and morning dew
• Protection from extreme temperature fluctuations

This post is to ensure I do not loose or forget my own designs. This design created with assistance from Claude