Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis  - €6 per plant 

Lemon Balm is a herbaceous perennial that grows well in partial shade as well as full sun. It is considered a great companion plant by organic gardeners and well known for attracting wildlife into the garden. Excellent herbal tea can be made from the fresh and dried leaves which have a strong aroma of citrus fruits and the plant has long history of medicinal value.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: europe-w.asia and n.africa
  • native habitat: Waste places and derelict land near human habitations
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • None  known or experienced 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a - 9b
  • Prefers well drained soil 
  • If the plant is cut back to the ground during the growing season it will produce a new flush of young leaves.
  • Drought tolerant 


Known hazards 

  •  Can cause irritation in high concentrates. Avoid during pregnancy. Care if sensitive skin 

Overview

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). ​
  • It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. 
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: multi-stemmed large leaved, deep tap root system. 
  • height x width (m): 0.7 x 0.4
  • years to bearing yield: 0 years  
  • productive life span: indefinite 

Products 

  • Leaf: mixed with other salads, used fresh and dry for teas also rubbed on the skin as a repellent of insects, used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages including Chartreuse and Benedictices
  • An essential oil is obtained from the plant
  • The whole plant is very pleasantly aromatic, the aroma lasting for a long time after the plant has been harvested. 
  • Medicinal: Is a commonly grown household remedy with a long tradition as a tonic remedy that raises the spirits and lifts the heart
  • Under-story ground cover in dappled shade 

Functions, behaviours

  • animal dispersed seeds
  • A good companion plant, especially for brassicas
  • The flowers are very attractive to bees
  • The growing plant is said to repel flies and ants.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project