About
Leafy, whorled spikes of pale lilac-tinted, white flowers are borne in summer. A bushy herbaceous perennial to 30cm tall, with square stems and toothed, wrinkled, dark green leaves, heavily splashed yellow at the margins. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, with a strong lemon fragrance.
About the genus
Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly ovate, aromatic leaves and small 2-lipped white flowers in spikes in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun, with protection from excessive winter wet. Cut back in early summer for a new flush of vibrantly-coloured growth. Drought resistant once established
PruningCut back old top-growth in winter
PropagationPropagate by seed, or division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free