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Beginner
skill rating |
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0.5m
max. spread |
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1m
max. height |
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2-5 years
to maturity |
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1 hour care
per year |
Botanical name: Melissa officinalis
Other names: Lemon balm, Sweet Mary, Tea balm, Honey plant, Pimentary, Sweet balm, Barm leaf, Bee balm, Dropsywort, Balm, Balm leaf, Balm oil plant
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Genus: Melissa
Species: M. officinalis - M. officinalis is a bushy perennial with ovate, lemon-scented leaves, and creamy-white or pale purple flowers spikes in summer.
Melissa officinalis is: Deciduous
Flower: Pale-purple, White in Summer
Foliage: Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer
Fragrance: Leaves are scented - hence the common name Lemon balm - and can be used to flavour refreshing, cool drinks.
Habit: Bushy, Rounded
Plant with:
Alchemilla mollis (Lady's mantle), Alchemilla epipsila (Dwarf lady's mantle), Mentha spicata (Spearmint)
Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
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Suggested uses: Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Wildlife
Cultivation: Melissa officinalis will grow happily in any soil or aspect. Dead-head to avoid self-seeding.
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| Soil types: |
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |
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| Soil drainage: |
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained |
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| Soil pH: |
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
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| Light: |
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun |
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| Aspect: |
North, South, East, West |
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| Exposure: |
Exposed, Sheltered |
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| Hardiness: |
Hardy (H4) |
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Discuss Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with other Shoot members.
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Comment from
Miriam Mesa-Villalba
Lemon balm is closely related to mint but has a milder taste and a less invasive habit. Its flowers are very attractive to bees: its botanical name, Melissa, is the Greek for bee. The lemon-scented leaves can be added to salads and cakes or used as a flavouring in cooking or in herbal teas. Hanging bunches in the house is said to help keep flies away.
- Views: 235
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Fri. 5th June 2009 20:39
We list 12 suppliers who tell us they sell Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm). In order to see the list you'll need to either register or log in as a full member.
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