| Botanical name | Melissa officinalis |
|---|---|
| Plant Care |  Full Sun Full Sun – Prefers 6 or more hours of sun per day.  Half Sun Half Sun – Prefers 3 To 6 Hours of Sunlight a Day.  Frost Sensitive Frost Sensitive – Will Get Damaged and Possibly Killed During Periods of Frost.  Moderate Watering Moderate Watering – Requires Regular Watering.  Pruning Required Pruning Required – Needs to be Pruned.  Non Indigenous Non Indigenous – Exotic to South Africa. |
| Size | |
| Categories | |
| Common name(s) | Lemon balm |
| Origin | |
| Foliage | This looks rather like common mint, and has a similar spreading habit. Lemon balm leaves have a strong lemon scent. |
| Uses in landscape design | Lemon balm is ideal for containers in semi-shaded positions. |
| Planting instructions | Seeds can be sown from spring to late summer. |
| Maintenance | Water twice a week, add compost in late winter and midsummer. Trim back over grown stems once a year to promote for new growth. |
| Soil conditions | Likes moist, rich soil. |
| Uses | Lemon balm leaves have a strong lemon scent. They are used to flavour poultry, fish and pork dishes, as well as fruit salads, puddings and custards. |
| Wildlife attractions | Lemon balm attracts bees that help with pollination in the garden. |
| Interesting planting ideas | Lemon balm planted near cucumbers and tomatoes, will increase the yield and the flavour in both, and even though bees are attracted to lemon balm, other insects don't like it – aphids and whitefly won't come near it. |
| Interesting info | It has always been associated with the relieving of melancholy, and is used today in aromatherapy to combat depression. |
| Propagation | Propagate from existing plants, either by root division or from tip cuttings taken during summer. |
| Possible problems | Seeds are slow to germinate. |
| Harvest | The leaves can be picked any time of the year, handle carefully to prevent bruising. |
| When to sow |
Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm)
- Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
- Common name(s): Lemon balm
- Categories: Herbs
Plant description:
This looks rather like common mint, and has a similar spreading habit. Lemon balm leaves have a strong lemon scent.
Family: Lamiaceae
Botanical Pronunciation: MEE-LISS-uh uh-fiss-ih-NAY-liss.
Melissa officinalis requirements and features
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Moderate Maintenance
Requires moderate maintenance.
This looks rather like common mint, and has a similar spreading habit. Lemon balm leaves have a strong lemon scent.
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Ground Covers and Perennials
