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Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

  • Category: Perennial, Herbs
  • Hardiness Zone:4-9
  • Height:24-36 Inches
  • Spread:12-18 Inches
  • Foliage Color: Green

This upright perennial herb is loosely branched with coarse leaves and attracts attention more for its scent rather than its appearance. Releases a nice strong scent when touched. A useful plant for kitchen and garden. This member of the mint family, blooms with white-yellowish tubular flowers July-September. Use leaves in arrangements, teas and sachets for its relaxation qualities. Can be used to replace grated lemon rind in fish and chicken dishes. Preserve by air-drying.

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Critter Resistance
• Deer Resistant
• Rabbit Resistant
Exposure
• Full Shade
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun
Foliage Color
• Green
Soil Moisture
• Moist
• Rich
• Well-Drained
Attributes
• Container
• Crafts
• Culinary
• Cut Flower/Foliage
• Fragrant
Season of Interest (Flowering)
• Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage)
• Fall
• Spring
• Summer
Bloom Time
• July - August
Additional Information about Lemon Balm

HERB OF THE YEAR 2007 It's nickname melissa, which means "honeybee" in Greek, is a tribute to this distictive fragrance, which attracts swarms of bees to the plant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Lemon Balm

Can tolerate dry soil, but scent will be stronger if grown in moist, fertile soil. To harvest, cut off the entire plant 2" from the ground before flowering. Mulch with compost each spring, lemon balm needs little extra fertilizer. After several years, plants can grow very large. Dig up and divide the plant or replace with a new one.