Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Soft-leaved mint relative with strong lemon scent. Used in herbal teas and as a calming traditional medicinal.

Hardiness ratings

Lemon balm hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −40 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–9 −34 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–5 −15 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Self-seeds prolifically — deadhead promptly if the spread isn't welcome
  • Excellent bee forage; the genus name Melissa is Greek for honeybee
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before medicinal use.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Lemon balm against your zones

Reference

Lemon balm on Wikipedia