Botanical profile

Lemon Balm 'Mandarin'

Latin name
Melissa officinalis 'Mandarina'
Common name
Melissa 'Tangerine'
Type
Perennial aromatic herb
Family
Lamiaceae

‘Mandarine’ lemon balm is an aromatic perennial plant highly valued for its tender green foliage with a fruity, sweet, and slightly lemony scent, reminiscent of tangerine. More unique than classic lemon balm, it adds a fresh and gourmet touch to herb gardens, vegetable patches, edible raised beds, and patio or balcony containers. Its leaves can be harvested fresh or dried to flavor infusions, iced teas, lemonades, desserts, fruit salads, light sauces, and some summer recipes.

Easy to grow, ‘Mandarine’ 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, and pleasant-to-harvest foliage. Like many lemon balms, it can spread once established, making it an excellent plant for growing in pots or in a confined space. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant more compact, denser, and stimulates the production of new aromatic leaves.

Both decorative, fragrant, and very versatile, ‘Mandarine’ lemon balm is ideal for creating a gourmet garden with fresh, fruity, and original 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 distinctive plant, capable of bringing a note of tangerine to both the garden and the kitchen.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic foliage with a tangerine scent, ideal for infusions
Vegetable garden, herbs, medicinal garden, herbal tea, container, pollinator garden
Container growing
Container growing recommended to control its spread
Seasonal care
Trim regularly to maintain a compact shape 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 moisture; prefers cool but well-drained soil
Fertilization
Compost in spring; light fertilization as needed
Soil type
Fertile, cool and 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 habit in a 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, calendulas
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
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.