This fragrant perennial herb produces bright green, softly textured leaves with a refreshing lemon scent when crushed. Melissa officinalis is a long-loved cottage garden and herb garden favourite, valued for its culinary uses, calming herbal teas, and wildlife-friendly flowers. In summer, small white blooms appear above the foliage, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Melissa officinalis, commonly known as Lemon Balm, is an easy-going and productive herb that grows quickly in sunny or partially shaded gardens. Its fresh citrus aroma makes it popular in teas, salads, and herbal remedies, while its bushy growth habit makes it a useful filler plant for herb beds, borders, and wildlife gardens.
Perennial
Aromatic Herb, Pollinator-Friendly, Fast-Growing
Flowers: Early to late summer
Foliage: Spring through autumn
Scientific Name
Melissa officinalis (from the Greek melissa, meaning “honey bee”, referencing the plant’s strong attraction to bees)
Common Name
Lemon Balm, Balm Mint
Origin
Native to southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, and widely naturalised across Europe and the UK.
Pruning Tips
Cut plants back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent them becoming leggy. Regular harvesting of leaves also helps maintain a bushy shape.
Wildlife Value
A highly valuable plant for pollinators, especially bees and hoverflies, which are strongly attracted to its nectar-rich flowers.
Positioning
Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Suitable for herb gardens, borders, containers, or wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Water
Water regularly while establishing. Once mature, lemon balm is relatively tolerant of short dry periods but prefers evenly moist soil.
Soil
Thrives in fertile, well-draining soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types.
Food
Apply compost or a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage lush leaf growth.
Pet-safe
Generally considered non-toxic to pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
Lemon balm can spread readily in the garden, so harvesting regularly and trimming after flowering will help keep plants compact and prevent self-seeding.
