- Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
- Common name: Lemon balm
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herb, Perennial, Deciduous
White
Green
- Key features:
- Aromatic foliage
- Attractive to wildlife
- Flowers
Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, is a robust herbaceous perennial grown for its aromatic foliage, which can be used in desserts and to make a revitalising herbal tea. In the summer months it produces small white flowers that are a hit with bees. Use a small handful of fresh leaves, then steep and strain to make tea that can be enjoyed hot or iced.
Like mint, it’s a particularly rampant grower, so is best confined to a raised bed or container where it can’t spread too much.
For best results, grow Melissa officinalis in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Cut back after flowering to promote fresh growth and prevent seeds from forming.
How to grow Melissa officinalis
-
Plant size
100cm height
50cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Clay / heavy / moist / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
J
Do not Sow in January |
F
Do not Sow in February |
M
Do not Sow in March |
A
Do not Sow in April |
M
Do Sow in May |
J
Do Sow in June |
J
Do Sow in July |
A
Do Sow in August |
S
Do not Sow in September |
O
Do not Sow in October |
N
Do not Sow in November |
D
Do not Sow in December |
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do Plant in March |
A
Do Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do not Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Take cuttings | ||||||||||||
| Take cuttings |
J
Do not Take cuttings in January |
F
Do not Take cuttings in February |
M
Do not Take cuttings in March |
A
Do Take cuttings in April |
M
Do Take cuttings in May |
J
Do Take cuttings in June |
J
Do Take cuttings in July |
A
Do Take cuttings in August |
S
Do not Take cuttings in September |
O
Do not Take cuttings in October |
N
Do not Take cuttings in November |
D
Do not Take cuttings in December |
Melissa officinalis and wildlife
Melissa officinalis is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Melissa officinalis poisonous?
Melissa officinalis has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Melissa officinalis
