Balsam Adesmia Plant Care

Balsam Adesmia (Adesmia balsamica) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Adesmia genus. Balsam Adesmia is native to portions of South America, with an example location being La Campana National Park in Chile. Balsam Adesmia is also known as Adesmia balsamifera, Patagonium balsamicum.

Balsam Adesmia displays a spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Balsam Adesmia produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Balsam Adesmia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Balsam Adesmia thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Adesmia balsamica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Balsam Adesmia prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Balsam Adesmia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Balsam Adesmia every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Balsam Adesmia is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Balsam Adesmia can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Balsam Adesmia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Balsam Adesmia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Balsam Adesmia can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Balsam Adesmia is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Balsam Adesmia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Balsam Adesmia is native to portions of South America, with an example location being La Campana National Park in Chile. In cooler regions, grow Balsam Adesmia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.