Balm of Gilead, Canary Balm, Herb of Gilead

Cedronellacanariensis

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cedronella (sed-roh-NEL-uh)
Species
canariensis (kuh-nair-ee-EN-sis)
Synonym
Cedronella triphylla
Melissa canariensis
Dracocephalum canariense
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Shiny/Glossy
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Pink
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Suitable for growing in containers
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Bellevue, Washington

Stanwood, Washington

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
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Sort By:
B
Cedarhome, WA (Zone 8b) | February 2011 | positive

Nice sharp fragrance. I've been able to overwinter it in milder seasons, but usually have to buy it new.

L
| June 2002 | neutral

This plant was given to me as an alternative to Citronella by a local nursery. My main goal was mosquito repellant. Have not noticed any ...Read More

B
B
Baa
| December 2001 | neutral

This is not the Biblical herb given to Solomon by the Queen of Sheba, this is a woody, short lived perennial from the Canary Islands.
...Read More

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