Melissa 'Tangerine'

Lemon Balm 'Mandarin' is a hardy aromatic perennial with citrus-scented foliage reminiscent of mandarin, perfect for herbal teas, fresh cooking, and container growing.

Format

Hardiness Zone 3

Difficulty level Easy

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.