Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Description

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a wonderfully fragrant perennial herb from the mint family, loved for its lemon-scented foliage and calming qualities. With soft, green, textured leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom in summer, it’s a magnet for bees and butterflies and a favorite among herbalists and tea lovers alike.

Perfect for garden borders, herb spirals, raised beds, and containers, Lemon Balm is incredibly easy to grow. Whether you’re harvesting it for tea, using it to soothe the nervous system, or just enjoying its fresh scent in the breeze, Lemon Balm is a joyful and useful addition to any garden.

🌿 Plant Details:

• Height: 18–24 inches tall

• Spread: 18–24 inches wide

• Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry spells

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil

• Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 4–9

🍋 Why You’ll Love It:

• Bright, citrus-scented leaves with calming herbal uses

• Pollinator-friendly—great for bees and butterflies

• Makes delicious teas, infusions, and herbal remedies

• Easy to grow and maintain—great for beginner gardeners

• Lovely addition to herbal gardens, borders, and containers

Lemon Balm is a gentle powerhouse—fragrant, versatile, and beloved by gardeners, herbalists, and pollinators alike.