Very easy to grow this native wildflower belongs to the mint family. A bushy perennial herb, it has delicious lemon-scented leaves which are edible and can be used in several ways including making a herbal syrup and adding to summer salads.
It has small white or pale purple flowers which are full of nectar and a magnet for many types of bee.
POLLINATORS: Long-tongued bees in particular due to its long tube-like flowers, but others bees may cleverly nibble through the flower to access the nectar.
WILDLIFE: It also attracts other beneficial insects and its strong, citrusy odour deters several unwelcome pests, including gnats and mosquitoes.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Height 80cm
Perennial
Full sun / partial shade
Flowers July
Fully hardy
Will grow in all soil types if it is kept moist but well-drained. It enjoys similar conditions to mint preferring the morning sun and placed in a cooler location in the garden.
It can be invasive - not from its roots though, but by the seeds. Remove dead flower heads as soon as they are past their best in order to control the spread.