AKA Bee Balm, the Latin Name is Melissa Officinalis.
Height: 24” (60 cms).
‘Aurea’ the variety in this case, and it has lovely yellow golden variegated leaves. The leaves have a wonderful lemon fragrance and it is brilliant for picking to infuse as a hot tea, or cold drink … very refreshing in the heat with ice. It also can add flavour to stuffings, jams, fruit and vegetable salads. It is especially good for diabetics as can help with blood sugar.
This beauty is part of the Mint family, and has the same thuggish habit, so I’ve planted mine in a pot. It likes a sunny position and will tolerate most soil types. It should be watered well before planting and until established.
I managed to pick up two plants from a local, and well kept secret near me that not too many people even know is there. Both are planted in terracotta pots, with one in the Vegetable Garden and one on the table down by the house for ease of picking. I intend to swap them around, and get some more by propogation, seed sowing or spending the kids inheritance.
Hugs
Kay xx
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