Melissa officinalis 'Aurea' (v)
yellow-leaved lemon balm
A bushy herbaceous perennial to 30cm tall, with square stems and toothed, wrinkled, dark green leaves, heavily splashed yellow at the margins. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, with a strong lemon fragrance. Leafy, whorled spikes of pale lilac-tinted, white flowers are borne in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Purple | Green Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly ovate, aromatic leaves and small 2-lipped white flowers in spikes in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor, well-drained soil in full sun, with protection from excessive winter wet. Cut back in early summer for a new flush of vibrantly-coloured growth. Drought resistant once established
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Cut back old top-growth in winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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