When does Melissa officinalis bloom?

Lemon balm typically flowers from June through August, producing small clusters of pale white blooms along its square stems.

What pollinators are attracted to lemon balm?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit the small flowers of Melissa officinalis for nectar during its summer bloom period.

What light and water conditions does lemon balm need?

It performs best in part sun with medium, evenly moist soil, though it can tolerate brighter full sun spots or drier stretches once established.

What type of plant is Melissa officinalis?

It is a herbaceous forb in the mint family, dying back to the ground each winter and returning from its root system in spring.

Is Common Balm HOA-friendly?

Common Balm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Balm

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melissa officinalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Common Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial forb. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Common Balm (Melissa officinalis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Common Balm

Common Balm is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Common balm is a fragrant herb with soft, textured leaves and small white or pale pink flower spikes in summer. This compact perennial forms neat clumps and releases a pleasant lemon scent when brushed against. It spreads moderately but is easy to contain with occasional division.

Growing Common Balm

Grow Common Balm in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common Balm takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy and informal to most HOAs
Can spread aggressively if not managed
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The summer flowers are excellent for bees and attract various butterflies. The long blooming period from June through August provides consistent nectar when many spring flowers have finished.

Common questions

When does Melissa officinalis bloom?: Lemon balm typically flowers from June through August, producing small clusters of pale white blooms along its square stems.
What pollinators are attracted to lemon balm?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit the small flowers of Melissa officinalis for nectar during its summer bloom period.
What light and water conditions does lemon balm need?: It performs best in part sun with medium, evenly moist soil, though it can tolerate brighter full sun spots or drier stretches once established.
What type of plant is Melissa officinalis?: It is a herbaceous forb in the mint family, dying back to the ground each winter and returning from its root system in spring.
Is Common Balm toxic to dogs?: Common Balm is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Common Balm toxic to cats?: Common Balm is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Common Balm HOA-friendly?: Common Balm takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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