91µ¼º½

Melissa officinalis 'All Gold'

RHS Plant Profile
lemon balm 'All Gold'
lemon balm 'All Gold' RHS / Joanna Kossak
Herbaceous Perennial Herbs - Culinary

A bushy herbaceous perennial to 30cm tall, with square stems and toothed, wrinkled, golden-yellow leaves to 7cm long. The foliage is aromatic when crushed, with a strong lemon fragrance. Leafy, whorled spikes of pale lilac-tinted, white flowers are borne in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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
Unresolved

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

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes

Pruning

Cut back old top-growth in winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free