The Lemon Balm Perennial, fragrant and a fast grower...

About The Lemon Balm

The Lemon Balm herbal perennial produces no flowers but has fragrant leaves like no other. Rapid grower. Completely fills any empty spots in the flowerbed garden. Did you know that in the Middle Ages this perennial was used to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort associated with digestion (including flatulence and bloating as well as colic). WOW...that's some medicinal use.

As a member of the mint family , I planted the Lemon Balm for its fragrant leaves and blue flowers that never appeared. I also forgot that being a member of the mint family, it can also be invasive.

Well...this perennial has grown massive. In fact, I will call it invasive to some degree. Instead of this single little plant growing nicely as a border for my Anouk Lavender, it has almost over-run the area. Is there a word for more than quadrupled in size?

How To Grow The Lemon Balm

Besides being invasive, this perennial has appeared in two other parts of my flower garden this 2009 growing season. Take a close look and you will see how the roots 'run' and spring up through the soil in another location. So...make sure that your plant is contained or that it is planted in a location with room to grow. My recommendation would be to grow the Lemon Balm in containers, planted in or out of the ground.

Do not over fertilize this plant or the lemony fragrance will disappear and keep the ground moist and well-drained. From time to time throughout the growing season (depending on the wetness) I check underneath the plant for soggy, brown or moldy leaves and remove.

Some say not to plant in full sun, to plant in part sun, but my plant grows in full and still grew beyond its bounds.

If Harvesting The Lemon Balm

When harvesting and for optimum flavor and fragrance, do so in the morning, just after the morning dew dries. And certainly prior to the heat of the day.

If growing to harvest, remember not to use any pesticide sprays on the plants. The plant should be cut back in the fall.

Some companion plants...if you dare: Salvia Black and Blue, Salvia Lady In Red or Nelia Argyranthemum.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design.

Lemon Balm Features

• prefers rich moist soil
• prefers shade to sun, but will tolerate the sun...the plant won't be as big, though
• can be a little invasive plant, and can grow to be a huge bush like appearance
• grows 1' to 2' feet but mine grew to almost 3 feet and it was in direct sunlight...go figure
• research says that it is a herbaceous perennial but mine did not return this spring
• also, mine did not flower. Supposed to have bluish-white or yellow flowers
• blooms from May to October
• leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, oval to almost heart shaped, shiny and wrinkled with scalloped edges

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