The short answer

Quick Answer

Lemon Balm thrives in partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 50 to 80cm tall, will spread if not contained. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh leaves

How: Cut back hard in midsummer after flowering for a second flush of leaves

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mediterranean and western Asia

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Cultivated for over 2,000 years. Brought to Britain by the Romans

Folklore: Lemon balm was thought to drive away melancholy. The Arabian physician Avicenna prescribed it for lifting the spirits

Fun fact: The genus name Melissa is Greek for bee, because bees love the flowers

Historical medicinal uses: Lemon balm tea is a traditional calming remedy. Some studies suggest antiviral properties. Leaves safe for culinary use

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees adore the flowers [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [3][4][5]

Biodiversity value: 7 out of 10 Medium to high for bees[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Lemon scented leaves from spring to autumn. Small white flowers in summer[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant in a herb bed with other mints, but contain the roots. Pairs with lavender and rosemary

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Mint rust, powdery mildew. See RHS lemon balm page

Invasive note: Can be invasive. Contain in a pot or root barrier

CGM care note

Lemon balm is in the mint family and behaves like it. We always grow it in a bottomless pot sunk into the soil so the roots cannot escape. Cut back hard after the first flowering in July for a fresh crop of leaves that lasts until autumn.

  • Mint (Mentha species (Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita))
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
  • Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Lemon Balm

How Lemon Balm fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Lavender, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Rosemary, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Thyme, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Sage, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Salvia (Perennial Sage), shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant
  • Bay, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Lemon Balm.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Lemon Balm are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Lemon Balm. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Melissa officinalis. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Lamiaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Dmitruk M, Sulborska A, Konarska A, et al. (2019). Floral biology and insect visiting of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae). Acta Agrobotanica, 72(2), 1767.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Lamiaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: pollinators, pollinator_rank, seasonal_highlight, companion_planting.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Lemon Balm. The pollinator description above ("Bees adore the flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium to high for bees") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Lemon scented leaves from spring to autumn. Small white flowers in summer".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees adore the flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Lemon Balm's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium to high for bees") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Lemon Balm. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Lemon Balm's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Lamiaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Lemon Balm. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Lemon Balm. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Lemon Balm. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Lemon Balm. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Lemon Balm. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Lemon Balm. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Lemon Balm. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Lemon Balm performs well locally

Towns where Lemon Balm is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover