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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names lemon balm balm
balm leaf balm oil plant barm leaf bee balm dropsywort honey plant pimentary sweet balm sweet Mary tea balm
Family Lamiaceae
Genus Melissa are herbaceous perennials with broadly ovate, aromatic leaves and small 2-lipped white flowers in spikes in summer
Details M. officinalis is a bushy perennial with broadly ovate, lemon-scented leaves with scalloped edges, and leafy spikes of creamy-white or pale purple flowers in summer
Plant range S Europe
Foliage Deciduous
Habit Bushy
Fragrance Foliage
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H7
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or West-facing
Exposure Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureWell-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height 2-5 years
Cultivation Grow in any moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation Propagate by seed or by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types Flower borders and beds Cottage & Informal Garden Wildlife Gardens
Pruning Cut back hard after flowering to promote fresh leaf growth and to prevent seed setting as can be invasive
Pests Can get leafhoppers
Diseases Generally disease free
RHS members can get exclusive individual advice from the RHS Gardening Advice team.
lemon balm
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