Bees buzz with glee for lemony Melissa officinalis! Its name is derived from the mythological Greek nymph Melissa, who fed Zeus honey when he was a wee baby hiding from his cannibalistic father Cronus. Long story short, Zeus eventually transformed Melissa in to a honey bee. Native to the Mediterranean, Lemon Balm has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Tea made with fresh leaves is said to be great for mild anxiety & insomnia. Lovely in salads, cold drinks & fish dishes, too! Easy & vigorous, this mint family member is a prolific re-seeder. Remove flowers (which appear in July & August) before they set seed to prevent an explosion of babies. Pinch back to keep from getting leggy. Great in containers! To 1.5’ tall & wide.

Megan
Plant Nerd