Geographical origin: Europe.
Adult dimensions: Height up to 60 cm, width up to 40 cm.
Foliage: Deciduous.
Type of soil: Moist, and non-calcareous.
Climate: Hardy -15°C.
Site: Full sun.
Properties and uses:
Lemon Balm is a perennial Balm that exhales very pleasant lemony scent. It blossoms throughout the entire summer displaying a multitude of small, white flowers.
Lemon Balm has a lot going for it. In addition to its ornamental qualities, it is a medicinal plant and attracts honey bees. It is used in infusions, or in the kitchen to bring in a touch of freshness to meat, fish or fruits dishes.
Its growth can be quite rapid, which makes it also an excellent ground-covering plant.
Finally, prune it regularly to keep its harmonious shape and scented foliage.
The different varieties:
Lemon Balm 'Aurea': the young shoots are completely golden-yellow, the foliage first keeps some yellow marks then turn green.
Lemon Balm 'Gold Leaf': with a wrinkled, pale yellow variegated with golden-yellow foliage.