Meet Melissa officinalis, a plant that's as charming as it sounds. Also known as Lemon Balm, Bee Herb, and Sweet Balm, this plant is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. It's not just a pretty face, this plant is a magnet for colorful butterflies and pollinators, making your garden a buzzing hub of activity.
Melissa officinalis
Partial To Full Sun
Can handle a mix of direct and bright light throughout the day.
Low Water Needs
Thrives in dry conditions and is drought-resistant. Ideal for low-maintenance indoor settings, such as office plants, or for outdoor water-conserving landscapes.
Highly Adaptable to All Soil Types
Thrives in clay, sand, shallow rocky, and silt loam soils, showing exceptional adaptability to various soil textures. Tolerates dry conditions. Requires good soil drainage.
Moderately Adaptable Soil pH
Adapts well to acidic (pH < 6.5) and neutral (pH 6.5-7.5) soil conditions.
Safe For Humans
No known toxic effects or skin irritation risks.
Safe for All Animals
No known safety risks to pets or livestock.
80%
Adaptability Score
100%
Safety Score
About Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis stands proud at 2-3 feet tall and spreads out to a width of 1.5-3 feet. Its jade-colored leaves are not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the nose, with a delightful perfume that fills the air. Come autumn and midyear, it adorns itself with snowy flowers that are both edible and durable.
Did you know that the name 'Melissa' is derived from the Greek word for 'honey bee'? This plant is a favorite among bees, hence the name Bee Herb!
Also known as
Balm
Bee Herb
Beebalm
Common balm
Garden Balm
Lemon Balm
Lemon-balm
Lemonbalm
Melissa
Sweet Balm
Tea Balm
Edibility
Yes, the flowers of Melissa officinalis are edible. But that's not all, even its leaves are cookable, adding a zesty flavor to your dishes.
Our design recommendations
Melissa officinalis is a versatile plant that can be used as a boundary in your garden. Its compact size makes it perfect for tubs and small spaces. Plus, its aromatic nature adds an extra layer of sensory delight to your garden. This plant is a great fit for a native plant area or a compact space. It can also thrive in a tub, making it a flexible choice for various landscape locations.