Overview

Melissa officinalis is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Melissa, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Melissa officinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Iraq and Italy.

About

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a bushy herbaceous perennial from the Lamiaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous herb thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for well-drained conditions and a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Lemon balm is of interest during both summer and winter seasons.

About the genus

Melissa is a genus of perennial herbs in the family Lamiaceae. Its species are native to Europe and Asia but cultivated and naturalized in many other places. The name Melissa is derived from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa) meaning "honeybee", owing to the abundance of nectar in the flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Melissa (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melissa (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Melissa

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Melissa officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy

Fragrance

Lemon-scented, fresh and citrusy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Melissa officinalis

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; water moderately; mulch in winter to protect roots

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent legginess

Propagation

Seed, Division in spring or autumn

Pest resistance

Sage leafhopper

Disease resistance

Verticillium wilt

Frequently asked questions