Costmary Seeds

From Alehouses to Bible Pages

Historically, Costmary Seeds offer an herb with two surprising former roles: flavouring English ales and marking Bible pages. Brewers valued its aromatic leaves, giving rise to the name Alecost. Similarly, readers tucked the fragrant foliage between Bible pages, giving rise to the terms Bible Leaf and Bible Plant.

Known botanically as Tanacetum balsamita, this perennial carries broad, finely toothed leaves with a distinctive minty, balsamic scent. Gently rubbing a leaf reveals the fragrance that once earned it a place among household herbs.

Moreover, its name carries a religious connection: the “Mary” in Costmary refers to the Virgin Mary. Together, these associations make this herb an intriguing addition to a garden celebrating plants with a story.

Fragrant Foliage and Summer Flowers

Costmary forms a spreading clump through creeping underground rhizomes, with flowering stems reaching around one metre. Meanwhile, its elongated, grey-green leaves add texture and fragrance.

Small yellow flower heads appear from summer into autumn. Depending on the form, some produce button-like blooms, while others carry short white rays around yellow centres.

Historically, households used the leaves in salads, cooked dishes and potpourri. People also combined dried Costmary with lavender to scent bedding and linen. For contrasting herbal aromas within easy reach of a garden path, grow it alongside our Lemon Balm Plant.

Growing Costmary Seeds

Choose well-drained soil and a sunny position. Alternatively, provide partial shade to encourage leafier growth. While young plants establish, water them regularly and monitor moisture during prolonged dry weather.

Although this frost-hardy perennial can die back in cold winters, it returns in spring. Give it room to spread or grow it in a container to manage its footprint. Finally, trim the growth to encourage fresh foliage.

Even so, Costmary Seeds can require patience, as germination may prove difficult.

Other Common Names

Balsam Herb, Balsam Weed, Sweet Mary, Mint Geranium, Beaver Tongue, Bitter Buttons, Camphor Plant and Cologne Plant.

Additionally, other recorded names include Cost, Costermary, Lady’s Balsam, Lady’s Flower, Lady’s Herb, Mace, Patagonian Mint, Tongue Plant and English Maudlin.