Canary Balm Plant Care

Canary Balm (Cedronella canariensis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Cedronella genus. Canary Balm is native to the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira. Canary Balm is also known as Balm of Gilead, Syrian Mint.

Canary Balm displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Canary Balm produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

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

Canary Balm thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cedronella canariensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Canary Balm prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Canary Balm to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Canary Balm every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Canary Balm is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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

Canary Balm can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Canary Balm 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 shrub in one year.

Canary Balm is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Canary Balm can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Canary Balm is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, 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.

Canary Balm grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Canary Balm is native to the Canary Islands, the Azores, and Madeira. In cooler regions, grow Canary Balm as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.