Lemon Balm Variegated

Description

Melissa officinalis ‘Variegata’ – variegated lemon balm

Botanical name: Melissa officinalis ‘Variegata’
Common names: Variegated lemon balm
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial herb
Habit: Bushy, clump-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Wrinkled, aromatic leaves splashed and margined with gold, 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 ‘Variegata’ is a bright variegated lemon balm with gold-splashed, lemon-scented leaves. More decorative and better-behaved than the plain form, it lights up herb gardens, borders and pots.

GardenAdvice notes

A prettier, more decorative form of lemon balm, ‘Variegata’ has aromatic leaves brightly splashed and edged with 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 more suited to a border or container, and its summer flowers are, as the name Melissa (Greek for honeybee) suggests, 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 helps prevent the gold foliage scorching, and 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 variegation. Remove any plain green shoots that appear, so they don’t take over. Cut down old growth in autumn or late winter. Keep it moist. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring — the best way to keep the variegation true.
• 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 aromatic, decorative foliage in light shade, where its gold-splashed 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

The variegated lemon balm is prettier and much better-behaved than the plain green sort — it self-seeds far less and lights up a spot with its gold-splashed leaves. Give it a little shade to stop the gold scorching, keep it moist, and snip out any plain green shoots that appear so they don’t gradually swamp the variegation.

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