Overview

Myroxylon balsamum is a plant with a spreading branched habit in the genus Myroxylon, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Myroxylon balsamum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden and mediterranean climate plants.

About

Myroxylon balsamum, commonly known as balsam of Tolu or Tolu balsam tree, is an evergreen member of the Fabaceae family with a spreading branched habit. It thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered aspect facing south, west, or east. This cultivar grows best in fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH. Suitable for architectural planting, city and courtyard gardens, gravel gardens, and Mediterranean climate settings, it is hardy to UK zone H1a. Interest is mainly in spring and summer, and propagation can be done by semi-ripe cuttings or seed.

About the genus

Myroxylon is a genus of Fabaceae native to Latin America.

Wikipedia contributors, "Myroxylon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Myroxylon

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Myroxylon

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1a

Plant details

Myroxylon balsamum size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Spreading branched

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Myroxylon balsamum

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings, Seed

Pest resistance

Glasshouse red spider mite, Fluted scale, Mealybugs

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions