Lemon Balm Lime

Lemon Balm Lime (Melissa officinalis 'Lime') is an unusual selection whose foliage carries a distinct lime scent and flavor in place of the usual lemon character of the species. A green-leaved herbaceous perennial growing about 30 to 60 cm tall, it is used like ordinary lemon balm in refreshing herbal teas and in cooking, offering a brighter, more citrus-lime note. Because the lime character does not come true from seed, it is propagated vegetatively by cuttings or division. Like all lemon balm it is an easy, bee-friendly mint-family perennial for the herb garden.