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Lamiaceae
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Sympathy and comfort.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Melissa
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Mediterranean Region, Central Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 1-2 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, fertile
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 3-7
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The genus name Melissa comes from the Greek word for honeybee, as bees are irresistibly attracted to the flowers.
- Medieval beekeepers rubbed lemon balm on new hives to encourage bee colonies to settle.
- It has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was a key herb in monastery gardens.
- Paracelsus called it the 'elixir of life' and believed it could restore youth and vitality.
- Modern research has confirmed its mild sedative properties, and it is commonly used in calming herbal teas.
Color meanings
0
sympathy
1
comfort
2
renewal