Herbs

Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm

Lamiaceae

Southern Europe, Mediterranean, western Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Melissa officinalis is a bushy, clump-forming perennial herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) reaching 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall with an 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spread. Stems are square (characteristic of Lamiaceae), erect to spreading, branching, lightly hairy. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) long, bright green, with coarsely toothed margins and a quilted (rugose) surface texture. The strong lemon scent when leaves are crushed is the primary identification feature — the scent is from citral, citronellal, and other lemon-scented terpenoids. Flowers are small, white to pale yellow, 0.3–0.5 inch (8–12 mm) long, tubular, two-lipped, borne in whorls in the upper leaf axils. Seeds self-sow freely; the species can become invasive in garden settings if flower stalks are not removed before seed set. Spreads moderately by short rhizomes but is less aggressive than Mentha. In the Pacific Northwest, the species self-sows prolifically and persists year after year.

Native Range

Native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and western Asia, occurring in open woodland, hedgerows, and waste ground. Cultivated since at least 300 BCE. Widely naturalized in temperate regions. In the Pacific Northwest, escapes cultivation and persists on roadsides and waste ground.

Suggested Uses

Planted in herb gardens, balcony containers, kitchen windowsill gardens, and medicinal herb collections. Fresh leaves are used in teas (hot and iced), salads, cocktails, and as a garnish. Dried leaves are used in herbal tea blends. Traditional herbal medicine uses include calming teas and topical preparations. The strong lemon scent makes it a standard sensory identification exercise in herb gardens. Container culture recommended to control self-sowing.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Mentha species (peppermint, spearmint) by the lemon scent (versus minty), the bright green quilted leaves (versus smoother, darker leaves), and the clump-forming habit with moderate rhizome spread (versus aggressive stoloniferous spread). The square stems confirm Lamiaceae. The crush-and-smell test is definitive: an immediate strong lemon scent confirms Melissa; a minty scent indicates Mentha.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
Flowers from June through August. Small white flowers bloom in whorls in the upper leaf axils over 3–4 weeks. Pollinated by bees — Melissa means "honeybee" in Greek, and the species is a traditional bee plant. Seeds self-sow freely; remove flower stalks before seed set to prevent unwanted spread.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale yellow

Foliage Description

Bright green, ovate, with coarsely toothed margins and a quilted (rugose) texture; strong lemon scent when crushed

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandsilt
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant divisions or nursery starts in spring, spacing 18 inches (45 cm) apart in partial shade to full sun. Well-drained soil prevents root rot. The species tolerates drought once established but produces better foliage with consistent moisture. Cut back to 2 inches (5 cm) above the crown after first flowering to stimulate a flush of fresh, lemon-scented foliage and prevent seed set. In containers (3+ gallon), lemon balm is contained and manageable. Self-sowing is the primary management concern; deadheading before seed set prevents colonization of adjacent beds. Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.

Pruning

Cut all stems to 2 inches (5 cm) above the crown after first flowering (July) to prevent seed set and stimulate fresh growth. Cut to ground level in late fall or early spring (March–April) when new growth appears. Harvest stems regularly throughout the growing season; frequent cutting maintains compact form and the strongest lemon scent.

Pruning Schedule

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early springsummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

70–90 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches