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Melissa officinalis

Also Known As

Common Balm
Lemon Balm

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 18"-28"
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

4a-9b

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Melissa officinalis plant details

Melissa officinalis is a fast-growing broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial herb with green foliage. In fall and summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melissa officinalis

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 18 IN - 28 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall and summer
Uses: container plant, self-sowing, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melissa officinalis

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low

Soil needs: alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pleated, hairy, toothed leaves with pale yellow flowers on square stems characteristic of the mint family. The lemon-scented foliage is used in teas and drinks, fruit dishes, salads and with fish, as well as in potpourris and sachets. Occasional flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A branched, upright perennial herb to 3' tall with inconspicuous white flowers, bee balm is grown primarily for its strongly lemon-scented foliage. The leaves are light green and heavily veined, and release their pungent aroma when bruised or crushed. The fresh leaves are used to garnish or flavor drinks, fruit cups, salads, and fish dishes, while the dried leaves are used in potpourri. Plants prefer full sun or partial shade with rich, well-drained soils. Shear periodically to keep compact. This common herb is tough and drought tolerant, and will usually self-sow and spread rapidly. Hardy to below 0 °F. Southern Europe.

By: Native Sons

Bees buzz with glee for lemony Melissa officinalis! Its name is derived from the mythological Greek nymph Melissa, who fed Zeus honey when he was a wee baby hiding from his cannibalistic father Cronus. Long story short, Zeus eventually transformed Melissa in to a honey bee. Native to the Mediterranean, Lemon Balm has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Tea made with fresh leaves is said to be great for mild anxiety & insomnia. Lovely in salads, cold drinks & fish dishes, too! Easy & vigorous, this mint family member is a prolific re-seeder. Remove flowers (which appear in July & August) before they set seed to prevent an explosion of babies. Pinch back to keep from getting leggy. Great in containers! To 1.5' tall & wide.