Lemon Balm All Gold

Description

Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’ – golden lemon balm

Botanical name: Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’
Common names: Golden lemon balm
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial herb
Habit: Bushy, clump-forming
Pot size: 9cm pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Wrinkled, aromatic leaves in bright golden-yellow, with a fresh lemon scent
Flowers: Small white flowers in summer, loved by bees (July–September)
Scent: Strongly lemon-scented foliage
Aspect / light: Partial shade to full sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Garden form; the species is native to southern Europe
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Melissa officinalis ‘All Gold’ is a bright, fully golden-leaved lemon balm with lemon-scented foliage that glows in a border. More decorative and better-behaved than the plain form, it lights up herb gardens and pots.

GardenAdvice notes

A striking, entirely golden-leaved form of lemon balm, ‘All Gold’ has aromatic foliage in bright yellow-gold, releasing the same fresh lemon scent when brushed. It is generally less vigorous and self-seeds far less than the plain species, making it well suited to a border or container, where its golden leaves bring real brightness. Its summer flowers, as the name Melissa (Greek for honeybee) hints, are adored by bees.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade to full sun — a little shade is best, as the bright gold foliage can scorch in hot, dry, full sun, and shade also keeps the colour fresh. Give it reliable moisture for the best growth. Space about 45cm apart.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Cut it back through the season to keep the bright, aromatic new growth coming and to maintain the gold colour. Cut down old growth in autumn or late winter. Keep it moist to prevent scorch and mildew. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Cuttings: Sprigs root readily in moist compost.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. The gold foliage can scorch in hot, dry, full sun, and powdery mildew may appear if it dries out; a little shade and reliable moisture prevent both.

Uses in the garden

Ideal for brightening herb gardens, borders and containers, and as decorative, aromatic golden foliage in light shade, where its glowing leaves and bee-friendly flowers earn their place.

Wildlife value

As its name (from the Greek for honeybee) suggests, lemon balm is a superb bee plant, its summer flowers highly attractive to bees, hoverflies and other pollinators.

Toxicity & safety

This herb is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘All Gold’ is grown above all for its glowing golden foliage, which lights up a border or pot beautifully — but that bright colour scorches in fierce sun, so give it a spot with a little shade and keep it moist. It self-seeds far less than plain lemon balm, so it’s a much better-behaved choice for an ornamental setting.

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