Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a vigorous, lemon-scented perennial herb in the mint family, loved for calming teas and as a magnet for bees. It grows easily and can spread enthusiastically in the garden.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular; keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Lemon balm is a hardy herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae), known for its bright, lemony fragrance released when the leaves are brushed or crushed. The genus name Melissa is Greek for 'honeybee', reflecting its long history as a bee plant.
It forms a leafy clump 30-70 cm (1-2 ft) tall with toothed, heart-shaped green leaves. Like its mint relatives it is vigorous and can self-seed or spread, though it grows in a clump rather than running by aggressive rhizomes.
How to identify it
- Leaves: Heart-shaped to oval, deeply veined and toothed, bright green and slightly wrinkled, in opposite pairs
- Aroma: Strong fresh lemon scent when crushed
- Habit: Bushy upright clump 30-70 cm tall
- Stems: Square, branching, typical of the mint family
- Flowers: Small, two-lipped, white to pale yellow in leaf axils, very attractive to bees
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is welcome in hot climates
- Water: Regular watering to keep soil evenly moist; it wilts quickly when dry
- Soil: Adaptable, but prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
- Temperature: Very hardy, roughly USDA zones 4-9; dies back in winter and regrows in spring
- Feeding: Light; over-feeding produces lush but less aromatic growth
- Propagation: Easily from seed, division or cuttings; deadhead flowers to limit self-seeding
Habitat & origin
Lemon balm is native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean basin, Central Asia and Iran, where it grows in woodland edges, scrub and along streams. It has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and has naturalized widely across temperate regions, including much of North America.
It is commonly grown in herb gardens, containers and pollinator plantings, and can become weedy if allowed to self-seed freely.
Uses & benefits
Lemon balm is most famous as a calming herbal tea, traditionally used to ease stress, anxiety, mild insomnia and digestive upset. The fresh leaves add a lemony note to salads, desserts, fish, herbal cordials and drinks.
It is a valuable nectar source for honeybees, and its essential oil is used in aromatherapy and cosmetics. Rubbing the leaves on skin is a folk method to repel insects.
Frequently asked questions
Is lemon balm invasive like mint?
It spreads mainly by self-seeding rather than aggressive runners, so it is less invasive than true mints. Deadheading the flowers keeps it in check, but it can still naturalize.
What is lemon balm tea good for?
It is traditionally used to promote relaxation, ease mild anxiety, support sleep and soothe digestion. It has a pleasant mild lemon flavor.
Does lemon balm come back every year?
Yes, it is a hardy perennial in zones 4-9 that dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring.
How do I keep lemon balm bushy?
Pinch or cut it back regularly, especially before it flowers. Cutting it down hard in midseason produces fresh, fragrant new growth.
Lemon Balm guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Lemon Balm.
