Melissa officinalis-Lemon Balm

Propagating Melissa officinalis or Lemon Balm is done in the spring by digging up the plant and dividing the crown or it is a good self seeder.. The blooms are insignificant in the summer, but are lilac in color however the plants gives off a lemony scent but can be used as insect repellant by rubbing the leaves on your body. The plants by mid summer can become raged so prune back to induce new growth and is an evergreen in warmer climates. Lemon Balm is deer resistant however it should not be planted where it gets the force of the afternoon sun because the plant will become scorched and it reaches a height of 12"-24". Honeybees will enjoy the nectar.