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About this product
Melissa officinalis / 14Cm
Melissa officinalis
Confirmed format: 14cm Pot
Plant Highlights: Fresh lemon-scented foliage • Edible leaves for teas and cooking • Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators • Easy-to-grow perennial herb
Overview
Melissa officinalis, commonly known as Lemon Balm, is a hardy perennial herb grown for its aromatic, lemon-scented leaves and versatile culinary uses. Fresh green foliage can be picked throughout the growing season to flavour herbal teas, salads, desserts and savoury dishes. During summer, clusters of small white flowers appear above the leaves, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinating insects. Its naturally bushy habit makes it an excellent choice for herb gardens, vegetable plots, raised beds and patio containers.
Why We Love It
Fresh lemon fragrance adds interest whenever the foliage is brushed. Easy to grow and productive throughout the season, this versatile culinary herb combines ornamental value with practical use in the garden.
Plant Details
| Botanical Name | Melissa officinalis |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Lemon Balm |
| Plant Type | Hardy perennial herb |
| Light | Full sun or partial shade |
| Soil | Moist but well-drained, fertile soil |
| Growth Habit | Bushy, clump-forming |
| Foliage | Bright green, lemon-scented, edible leaves |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Flowering Season | Summer |
| Mature Height | Approximately 50 cm to 1 m |
| Mature Spread | Approximately 40 cm to 60 cm |
Growing Guide
| Position | Grow in full sun or partial shade. In warmer locations, a little afternoon shade helps keep the foliage fresh and tender. |
|---|---|
| Watering | Keep the soil evenly moist while plants establish. Once established, water during prolonged dry spells, particularly when growing in containers. |
| Soil | Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Good drainage encourages healthy growth while consistent moisture supports continuous leaf production. |
| Maintenance | Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh new growth. Cut plants back after flowering if they become leggy, and divide established clumps every few years to maintain vigour. |
Perfect For
- Herb gardens
- Kitchen gardens
- Raised beds
- Patio containers
- Pollinator-friendly planting
Good to Know
- The nectar-rich summer flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making Lemon Balm an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Product Information
| Supplied Pot Size | 14cm nursery pot |
|---|---|
| Please Note | Decorative pots and accessories shown, if any, are not included. |
Growing & care
- Plant type
- herb
- Position & light
- Full sun· Partial shade
- Watering
- moderate
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Moist
- Mature size
- 50cm high· 40cm wide
- Flowering
- Summer· White
- Foliage
- deciduous
Useful to know
Good for containersPollinator friendly
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