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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) — A member of the mint family; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — When incorporating Lemon Balm into a landscape design; including partial shade to full sun exposure

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity, image 67

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

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — although it benefits from regular watering for optimal growth and a more lush appearance; lemon Balm adds a, image 76

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This versatile plant tolerates a range of soil conditions, but prefers well-drained loam; making it a, image 66

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

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

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

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — scientifically named Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — hence its genus name 'Melissa' (Greek for 'honey bee'); lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts, image 73

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — consider its ability to self-seed and spread; therefore; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden, image 99

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — white or pale yellow flowers which are highly attractive to pollinators; making it a multifunctional addition to, image 51

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

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This delightful herb not only adds beauty and fragrance but can also be used culinarily; including partial shade, image 101

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — this plant typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches; lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — It is also relatively drought-resistant once established; making it a multifunctional addition to any garden

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) — A member of the mint family

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — When incorporating Lemon Balm into a landscape design; including partial shade to full sun exposure, image 77

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

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — Lemon Balm adds a pleasant lemon scent and attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity, image 88

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This delightful herb not only adds beauty and fragrance but can also be used culinarily; including partial shade, image 59

Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) — This delightful herb not only adds beauty and fragrance but can also be used culinarily; including partial shade, image 80

Photographs by 16 contributors

David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, CC BY 2.0 · source
Salicyna, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Jamain, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 us · source
Andrea_44 from Leamington, Ontario , Canada, CC BY 2.0 · source
Rudolphous, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
KENPEI, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 · source
Friviere, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Killarnee, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Gideon Pisanty ( Gidip ) גדעון…, CC BY 3.0 · source
Lazaregagnidze, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Netha Hussain, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 2.0 · source

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