Lemon balm Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southern Europe, Mediterranean and central Asia. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Lemon balm in your garden →
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Lemon balm at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Southern Europe, Mediterranean and central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Lemon balm toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; essential oil is concentrated and not for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Lemon balm
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Lemon balm
- How far apart should I plant Lemon balm?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Lemon balm need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Lemon balm need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Lemon balm?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Lemon balm flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Lemon balm poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; essential oil is concentrated and not for pets.
- What grows well with Lemon balm?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Lemon balm. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Self-seeds freely and can spread.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare