About
Melissa officinalis, lemon balm, is an aromatic, bushy perennial to 1 m producing heart-shaped, lemon-scented, scallop-edged leaves 2�8 cm long and leafy spikes of creamy-white or pale-purple, nectar-rich flowers in summer. An excellent herb for a sunny border � the leaves are used in cooking and herbal teas, and the flowers are beloved by bees.
About the genus
Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly oval, aromatic, lemon-scented leaves and small, two-lipped, white flowers in summer. Grown as culinary and medicinal herbs and ornamental border plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toS Europe
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningCut back hard after flowering to promote fresh leaf growth and to prevent self-seeding. See lemon-balm cultivation for more advice
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to sage leafhopper
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free. Verticillium wilt may rarely occur