Lemon balm Melissa officinalis 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

|

In stock up to and including 22/12/2024

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.10

3.10 per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

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Melissa officinalis Can be planted now
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Benefits according to our specialist

Fragrant
Low maintenance
Easy plant

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Melissa (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
July, August, September

Leaf colour
Blue, White

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Planter, Pot

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Sun

Winter hardiness
-23,3°C / -20,6°C, USDA zone 6a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
6

Evergreen plants
No

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
Yes

Growth habit
Bushy spreading growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
90

Art. no.
1000796

Description

Melissa officinalis | Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a perennial herb treasured for its delightful citrus-scented foliage and its delicate, attractive flowers. Originating from Southern Europe, this aromatic herb has been celebrated through the ages for both its culinary and medicinal properties. The lush green leaves of the balm leaf provide a pleasant backdrop in any garden setting, emitting a refreshing lemony fragrance when brushed against or crushed.

Key Features

The Melissa plant is recognized for its bushy spreading growth habit, reaching an ultimate height of approximately 90 cm.
In the summer months, the balm leaf produces a profusion of flowers in hues of purple and white, which can attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
Its fragrant leaves can be used fresh or dried in a variety of culinary dishes or brewed into a soothing herbal tea.
Lemon balm is adaptable to various soil types as long as they are well-drained and thrives best in sunny locations.

Tips

To encourage robust growth, water your Melissa officinalis regularly, but take care not to over-water as it prefers average moisture levels.
Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its compact, bushy form and to promote new foliage growth.
Propagation can be easily achieved by sowing seeds or by division, revitalizing your plant and expanding your garden with new plants.
Autumn is the perfect time to divide the plant, ensuring it settles in well before the growing season.

Ideal placement of a Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis thrives best in full sunlight, which encourages robust growth and enhances the plant's fragrant leaves. It is adaptable to various soil conditions, provided that the soil is well-drained. This species appreciates a location that offers protection from harsh winds, as it can grow up to 90 cm tall and benefits from such shelter. While it can adapt to different soil types, it is essential to ensure that the location does not become waterlogged, as the plant does not have a high drought tolerance and requires consistent moisture without being overly saturated.

How do I plant a Melissa officinalis?

For successful establishment, ensure that Melissa officinalis is planted in well-drained soil, which can accommodate its bushy spreading growth habit. This species thrives in full sun, enhancing its fragrant qualities. The ideal planting period is during cooler months, either spring or autumn, to reduce stress on the plant. When planting, space the individuals sufficiently to allow for their mature spread of up to 90 cm in height. Water the plants adequately after planting to settle the soil around the roots and maintain average moisture levels, especially during dry periods, as this species is not drought-resistant.

Pruning a Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis benefits from regular trimming to encourage a bushier growth and maintain a neat appearance. It can be lightly pruned throughout the growing season to harvest the aromatic leaves, ideally before it reaches full bloom. Post-flowering, cutting back the stems can stimulate a second growth flush and prolong the harvesting period. To prepare for winter, trim the plant back to just above the ground after the foliage dies back. This practice will help promote healthy, vigorous growth in the subsequent season.

Watering a Melissa officinalis

Ensuring adequate moisture for Melissa officinalis is crucial for its vigorous growth and the maintenance of its aromatic leaves. It thrives with consistent watering, particularly in well-drained soils and sunny locations where it may be more prone to drying out. During extended periods of heat, increase the frequency of watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. This approach will sustain the plant's lush green foliage and support its flowering in the summer months. It's essential to balance the water needs to avoid drought stress while preventing overwatering, which could compromise the plant's health.

Fertilising a Melissa officinalis

For robust growth and the development of the aromatic qualities that Melissa officinalis is known for, it is important to provide appropriate nutrition. Fertilize this herbaceous perennial in early spring as new growth appears, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support its vigorous bushy spreading growth habit. A second application can be beneficial during the midsummer to promote continued vitality and to prepare the plant for its flowering period in July through September.

Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the fragrance and potential flower production. Additionally, ensuring that the soil is well-drained will prevent waterlogged conditions that can negatively impact nutrient uptake. Regular fertilization will enhance the lush green foliage that persists from spring through autumn.

The characteristics of a Melissa officinalis

Melissa officinalis thrives when given ample space to expand, as its roots are known to spread comfortably within the confines of a pot. This species rewards gardeners with a delightful lemon scent when brushed against or crushed, adding a sensory pleasure to any garden. Additionally, the leaves can be harvested to create soothing teas and are valued for their calming properties, making this plant a dual-purpose delight for both the garden and home.

Separating/dividing a Melissa officinalis

To foster robust growth and maintain plant health, dividing Melissa officinalis is advised. This process rejuvenates the plant by encouraging new, vigorous growth. Extract the entire plant from its position, carefully separating it into smaller portions, ideally in the cooler periods of spring or autumn. Replant these sections, giving special attention to the placement of younger, more vibrant sections. This method not only invigorates your lemon balm but also helps control its natural propensity to spread, ensuring a more managed presence in your garden or planting arrangement.

What will be the height of Melissa officinalis?

Melissa officinalis typically grows to a height ranging from 50 centimeters to 1 meter when fully mature.

What will be the width of Melissa officinalis?

Melissa officinalis typically achieves a maximum spread ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters, depending on the specific growing conditions and care provided.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Melissa officinalis?

Melissa officinalis can thrive in a wide range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. This aromatic herb prefers soil that allows excess water to drain away effectively, promoting healthy growth.

What is the ideal positioning for the Melissa officinalis?

The optimal location for Melissa officinalis is in an area with abundant sunlight. This herb thrives best when placed in a spot where it can receive direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day.

What is the flowering colour of the Melissa officinalis?

The flowering colors of Melissa officinalis include delicate shades of blue and white, creating a visually appealing display of blossoms.

Is the Melissa officinalis hardy?

Certainly, Melissa officinalis is considered to be winter hardy. It can endure temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -20.1°C, falling within the USDA zone 6a for winter hardiness. This indicates that Melissa officinalis is well-equipped to survive the winter months in regions with colder climates.

Is the Melissa officinalis evergreen?

Melissa officinalis is not an evergreen plant. It is, in fact, deciduous, shedding its leaves during the fall and sprouting new foliage in the spring.

What is the growth strength of the Melissa officinalis?

Melissa officinalis typically reaches its ultimate height within a span of 2 to 5 years, signifying a moderate, yet steady growth rate for this particular plant species.

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