Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as Lemon Balm, is a deciduous perennial herb native to South-Central Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia. It typically grows bushy and upright to a height of 100 cm (39 in). Lemon Balm features heart-shaped, scalloped leaves that are 2–8 centimeters (0.79–3.15 in) long with a rough, veined surface. The leaves are soft, hairy, and emit a mild lemon scent when bruised. From early to mid-summer, it produces small white or pale pink flowers that are highly attractive to bees due to their nectar. Lemon Balm has a lifespan of about ten years, but in cultivation, it is often replaced after five years to prevent soil exhaustion and maintain vigor.

Lemon Balm is valued for its fragrant foliage and is used in herb gardens, as a culinary herb, and for its essential oils. It is also appreciated for its medicinal properties, including its calming effects. In the garden, it can be used as a border plant or ground cover. Lemon Balm prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade. While it is easy to grow and generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive due to its robust growth habit and ability to spread vegetatively and by seed. In regions where it is not native, gardeners should be cautious of its potential to escape cultivation and become a nuisance.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1.5-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to South-Central Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Balm, Beebalm, Melissa, Lemonbalm, Common Balm, Bee Herb, Garden Balm, Sweet Balm, Tea Balm, Citronmelisse

Scientific Names: , Melissa officinalis, Faucibarba officinalis, Mutelia officinalis, Thymus melissa,

GBIF Accepted Name: Melissa officinalis L.