Tall, clumping perennial herb with aromatic, mint-like leaves. Tiny, inconspicuous white, pale yellow or pink flowers bloom from late spring to early fall. Lemon balm's bright, lemony flavor is delightful for a variety of culinary uses. Great for herb beds and containers.
Melissa officinalis 'Lemon Balm'
Lemon Balm
Photo courtesy of Ball Horticulture
- Culinary uses
- Great for many home uses
- Strong lemon scent
Border or Bed
Container
Cut Flower/ Foliage
Dried Flower/ Foliage
Drought Tolerant
Edible
Fragrant
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with organic matter and full sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer. Leaves can be harvested once the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall. This plant responds well to being pruned. Cutting off the flowers will prevent self-seeding and encourage leafier growth.
Height: 12-15 in
Spacing: 15-18 in
Price Level 1: $5.49 ea.~4 ½” pot
Bloom Color:
Zone: 5
Additional Characteristics & Attributes:
Attributes:
- Fragrant
- Container
- Drought Tolerant
- Low Maintenance
- Edging
- Garden
- Cut Flower/ Foliage
- Edible
- Vigorous
- Great Foliage
- Border or Bed
- Dried Flower/ Foliage
- Summer Bloomer
- Heat Tolerant
Critter Resistance:
- Deer Resistant
Exposure:
- Full Sun
- Partial Sun
Habit:
- Upright
Foliage Color:
- Dark Green
Season of Interest (Flowering):
- Fall
- Summer
Season of Interest (Foliage):
- Summer
- Fall
Attracts Wildlife:
- Attracts Pollinators
Soil Moisture:
- Average Water
- Moist, Well-Drained
Genus Overview: Melissa
Common Name: Lemon Balm
Tall, clumping perennial herb with aromatic, mint-like leaves. Tiny, inconspicuous white, pale yellow or pink flowers bloom from late spring to early fall. Lemon balm's bright, lemony flavor is delightful for a variety of culinary uses. Great for herb beds and containers.