Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

Botanical name: Melissa officinalis

Bloom type: Perennial

Lemon balm is a bushy herbaceous perennial of the mint family that is typically grown in herb gardens and border fronts for its lemon-scented leaves and numerous medicinal properties. It was introduced from Europe and has naturalized throughout much of North America. 

It prefers well-drained soils in sun to part shade but tolerates poor soils and drought once established. This plant will self-seed and spread aggressively by rhizomes, so it is best to grow in a container on a patio or deck where it is unlikely to escape into the landscape. Prune to remove spent flower stalks and encourage new growth for a better-looking plant. New leaves are more flavorful than mature ones.

Problems:  Powdery mildew, leaf spot, leaf blight and gray mold may occur.

Appearance: 

Leaves: The leaves are oval, slightly serrated, and have a bright green color. They emit a strong, lemony fragrance when crushed.

Flowers: Lemon balm produces small, tubular flowers that are typically white or pale yellow. The flowers bloom in clusters from the leaf axils during the summer.

Bloom Type: The flowers are small and inconspicuous, arranged in whorls or clusters in the leaf axils. Each flower is about 0.5 inches (1 cm) long and attracts bees and other pollinators.

Size: This plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and can spread about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, forming a bushy, upright clump.

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox