Overview
Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Tanacetum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Tanacetum balsamita is a perennial temperate herb known as costmary, alecost, balsam herb, bible leaf, or mint geranium. A fragrant plant native to southern Europe and western Asia, it has been used over centuries for culinary, aromatic, and traditional medicine purposes.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tanacetum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms, Leaf-mining flies
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita?
Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita need?
Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita hardy in the UK?
Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Tanacetum balsamita subsp. balsamita?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
More in the Tanacetum genus
- Tanacetum abrotanifolium
- Tanacetum bipinnatum
- Tanacetum camphoratumcamphor tansy
- Tanacetum cinerariifoliumpyrethrum
- Tanacetum coccineum 'Duplex' (d)
- Tanacetum coccineum 'Robinson's'
- Tanacetum coccineum 'Vanessa'
- Tanacetum corymbosum subsp. clusii
