Botanical profile

Lemon Balm 'Lime'

Latin name
Melissa officinalis 'Lime'
Common name
Lemon Balm 'Lime'
Type
Perennial aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

‘Lime’ lemon balm is an aromatic perennial highly prized for its soft green foliage with a fresh, bright, and slightly tart scent, reminiscent of lime. More unique than classic lemon balm, it brings a more vibrant citrus note to herb gardens, vegetable patches, edible containers, and pots on the patio or balcony. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor infusions, cold drinks, lemonades, desserts, fruit salads, light sauces, and summer recipes.

Easy to grow, ‘Lime’ lemon balm prefers a location with soft sun or partial shade, in fertile, fresh, and well-drained soil. It appreciates regular watering to keep its foliage tender, fragrant, and pleasant to harvest. Like many lemon balms, it can spread once established, making it an excellent plant to grow in pots or in a confined space. Regular pruning helps maintain a more compact, denser plant and promotes the production of new aromatic leaves.

Both decorative, fragrant, and very versatile, ‘Lime’ lemon balm is ideal for creating a gourmet garden with fresh and bright aromas. Its flowering attracts pollinators, while its fragrant foliage adds diversity to collections of herbs and medicinal plants. It is a perfect variety for gardeners looking for an easy, productive, and original plant, capable of bringing a touch of lime freshness to the garden and the kitchen.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic foliage with a lime scent, ideal for herbal teas and fresh cooking
Vegetable garden, herbs, medicinal garden, herbal tea, container, pollinator garden
Container growing
Pot culture recommended to control its spread
Seasonal care
Prune regularly to maintain a compact habit and limit self-seeding; cut back foliage in autumn or spring
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regular; keep the soil moist without overwatering
Humidity
Average humidity; prefers cool but well-drained soil
Fertilization
Compost in spring; light fertilization as needed
Soil type
Fertile, cool, well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Sowing, division, or cuttings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
White to pale pink
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Bushy, spreading clump
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Rapid growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Mint, chives, parsley, marigolds
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to fall
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.