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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 3–7Type HerbClimate Temperate
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — A member of the mint family; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden, image 48

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Herb
Family
Lamiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (125)

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — herb with white blooms
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — occasional pruning or containment strategies may be necessary to maintain the desired aesthetic; lemon Balm adds, image 100
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) — making it a multifunctional addition to any garden, image 81
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — herb with white blooms; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 83
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis; including partial shade to full sun exposure
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white flowers in the garden; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden, image 61
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — reaching up to 24 inches tall and spreading 12-24 inches wide
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 32
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — When incorporating Lemon Balm into a landscape design; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 98
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — It is also relatively drought-resistant once established; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden, image 54
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity, image 25
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white flowers in the garden; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden, image 82
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — A member of the mint family; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden, image 69
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 53
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This delightful herb not only adds beauty and fragrance but can also be used culinarily; including partial shade to full sun
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Prized for its aromatic, heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, image 65
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — When incorporating Lemon Balm into a landscape design; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 56
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 47
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — this plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts, image 70
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — herb for full or half; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — consider its ability to self-seed and spread; therefore; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 68
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white flowers in the garden; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden, image 103
Photographs by 9 contributors

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