Plant Profile: Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm is a robust, bushy perennial herb belonging to the mint family, commonly cultivated in herb gardens and along borders for its fragrant lemon-scented foliage. Originally from Europe, it has adapted and spread across much of North America.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, although it can withstand poor soil conditions and drought once it is established. Lemon balm has a tendency to self-seed and propagate through rhizomes, so if you wish to control its spread, consider planting it in a container. To maintain its appearance and promote fresh growth, prune away spent flower stalks, as the younger leaves tend to have a more intense flavor compared to the older ones.

Potential issues include powdery mildew, leaf spot, leaf blight, and gray mold.