About
This bushy and upright herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, and wrinkled, scalloped leaves to 7cm long; these have a strong citrus scent when crushed. Throughout summer it produces spikes of white to purple-tinted flowers that are attractive to bees.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. See cultivating herbs for further information
PruningCut back old stems to ground level in early spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn, by cuttings in spring or summer, or by seed sown in a cold frame in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews