Review Notes: Melissa officinalis
Lamiaceae
Ultimate Height: 1m
Ultimate Spread: 0.5m
Time to ultimate height: 2-5 year(s)
Preferred common name: lemon balm
Other common names: balm , balm leaf ,
balm oil plant , barm leaf ,
bee balm , dropsywort ,
honey plant , pimentary ,
sweet balm , sweet Mary ,
tea balm
Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly ovate, aromatic leaves and small 2-lipped white flowers in spikes in summer.
M. officinalis is a bushy perennial with broadly ovate, lemon-scented leaves with scalloped edges, and leafy spikes of creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer.
Pruning
Cut back hard after flowering to promote fresh leaf growth and to prevent seed setting as can be invasive.
Pests Can get leafhoppers.
Diseases Generally disease free.
Soil
Acid, Alkaline or Neutral.
Well-drained.
Chalk, Clay, Loam or Sand.
Aspect
West or South facing.
Sheltered.
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn.
Flowers: White or Pale Purple in Summer.
Evergreen/Deciduous: Deciduous.
Fragrance: Foliage.
Suggested Plant Uses: Cottage/Informal Garden, Flowers Borders and Beds or Wildlife Gardens.
Supplied Height Approx 6" €0.95 each + P&P
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Plant Type:- Perennial
Colour:- Small 2-lipped white
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