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Plant details
An easily grown perennial herb, this is noted for the memorable and invigorating lemon fragrance of its leaves, used in cold drinks, teas and in salads or puddings. The flavour decreases as plants flower, and they lose their fresh, lush appearance, but bees and other pollinating insects are attracted to them and that's why the alternative name for this plant is bee balm. It is a good idea, then, to leave a few to bloom and to cut others back to maintain a supply of young foliage. Regularly trimming gold forms will preserve their bright, fresh appearance and prevent any all-green shoots from taking over.
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Species: officinalis
Plant type: Hardy perennial
Flower colour: Yellow
Foliage colour: Mid-green
Feature: Flowers, Aromatic foliage, Attractive to wildlife
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained/light, Dry, Sandy
Hardiness: Hardy
Skill level: Beginner
Height: 90cm
Spread: 45cm
Time to plant seeds: March to May
Time to divide plants: April to May
Flowering period: June to October
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