Lemon Balm

Melissa Officinalis

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Overview

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb, flourishes in zones 4-9, reaching up to 24 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide. Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade. This versatile plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loam. Lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, MediumZones 3–7Climate Temperate

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This versatile plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loam

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — reaching up to 24 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — adding a sensory experience to the landscape

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — this plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low, Medium
USDA zones: 3–7

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Lamiaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (105)

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This versatile plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loam

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — reaching up to 24 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — adding a sensory experience to the landscape

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — this plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — A member of the mint family

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white or pale yellow flowers which are highly attractive to pollinators

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — including partial shade to full sun exposure

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — hence its genus name 'Melissa' (Greek for 'honey bee')

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — It is also relatively drought-resistant once established

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — although it benefits from regular watering for optimal growth and a more lush appearance

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — occasional pruning or containment strategies may be necessary to maintain the desired aesthetic

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This delightful herb not only adds beauty and fragrance but can also be used culinarily

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — consider its ability to self-seed and spread; therefore

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — making it a multifunctional addition to any garden

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — When incorporating Lemon Balm into a landscape design

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade; including

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — reaching up to 24 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This versatile plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loam; making it a multifunctional

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — herb with white blooms

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — herb for full or half

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white flowers in the garden

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