Balm Leaf Melissa officinalis Play pronunciation

Lemon balm is a bushy, lemon-scented, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial native to Southern Central Europe to Central Asia, found along roadsides and in disturbed areas, and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The genus name Melissa is Greek, meaning "a honeybee." Reportedly, Melissa, a Cretan princess, discovered how to obtain honey. The specific epithet officinalis means "found in shops" and is applied to plants with medicinal qualities. This bushy plant grows upright, 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with branching stems, bright green, aromatic, crinkled, oval or heart-shaped leaves, and clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers that bloom in summer. Honeybees and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms. The leaves emit a lemon scent when crushed or bruised, are edible, and are used to flavor tea or added to soups and salads. This herb is also used medicinally for anxiety, colds, or insect bites. 

Prefers full sun to partial shade, moist to dry, well-drained soils, and is poor-soil- and drought-tolerant once established. This plant self-seeds and spreads aggressively by rhizomes, so it is best to grow in a container on a patio or deck where it is unlikely to escape into the landscape. Prune to remove spent flower stalks and encourage new growth for a better-looking plant. Unpruned plants tend to get weedy.

Lemon balm has escaped gardens and naturalized in parts of the United States. Suitable for an herb garden, border planting, or container. May also be used as a groundcover. Lemon balm is a pollinator magnet, and it will also deter mosquitoes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids and spider mites.  May be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, leaf blight, and gray mold.