Fine herbs

Balm 'Lime'

Melissa 'Lime' is a hardy aromatic perennial with citrus-scented foliage reminiscent of lime, perfect for herbal teas, refreshing drinks, cooking, and container gardening.

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Hardiness Zone 3
Difficulty level Easy

Discover the plant

Family Lamiaceae

Lemon balm 'Lime' is an aromatic perennial plant highly valued for its tender green foliage with a fresh, vibrant, and slightly tart fragrance, reminiscent of lime. More unique than classic lemon balm, it brings a brighter lemony 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 maintain tender, fragrant foliage that is 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 keep the plant more compact, denser, 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 flowers attract 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.

Melissa 'Lime'

Planting guide

From plantingto establishment.

Propagation Sowing, division, or cuttings

Soil and care

The rightconditions.

Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilization Compost in the spring; light fertilization as needed
Care level Easy
Seasonal care
Prune regularly to keep the plant compact and limit self-seeding; cut back foliage in autumn or spring

Container growing

A controlledenvironment.

Recommended potted culture to control its spread
Melissa 'Lime'

Bloom and dimensions

The completeprofile.

Bloom periodSummer
Flower colorWhite to pale pink
Foliage colorGreen
Foliage typeObsolete
Maximum height45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 inches)
Maximum width45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rateRapid growth
Hardiness zoneZone 3
Minimum temperature-30°C
Melissa 'Lime'

Garden associations

What to plantwith it.

Vegetable garden, herbs, medicinal garden, herbal tea, container, pollinator garden

Its strengths, naturally.

Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent