The large mint family is home to the small but fine genus of lemon balm. The best-known representative is undoubtedly lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). We have put together a list of other species to discover here for you.
What different types of lemon balm are there?
The different types of lemon balm include lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Crete lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ssp. altissima), common lemon balm (Melissa vulgaris) and golden balm (Monarda didyma). They differ in leaf and flower color, aroma and height.
Seductive subspecies – you should know these
Melissa officinalis is classified by botanists into different subspecies that emerged directly from lemon balm during breeding. The outstanding advantage is that the special attributes can be found in the hybrids.
Crete lemon balm (Melissa officinalis ssp. altissima)
The Crete lemon balm found its way into our gardens from Greece. It impresses with a fruity aroma that is reminiscent of limes. In addition, it decorates the bed with purple flowers from June to September. In a sunny location, a growth height of up to 80 centimeters is possible.
Common lemon balm – Common tortoiseshell (Melissa vulgaris)
With its pink lipped flowers, the perennial is beautiful to look at. At the same time, the green, simple leaves are suitable as a fresh ingredient for cold and warm dishes or drinks. Even in a partially shaded location, it reaches heights of up to 60 centimeters.
Golden balm (Monarda didyma)
Botanically assigned to a different branch of the mint family, the golden balm nevertheless has all the important properties. This includes, for example, the delicious taste of bergamot. Not to forget the beautiful purple-violet flowers that bloom from June to September. Very suitable for freezing.
Get to know the star in the Melissa sky here
The State Institute for Natural Resources and Plant Production is located in Weihenstephan, and its experts have succeeded in producing one of the best varieties. Under the variety name 'Binsuga', the herbal plant conquers everyone's hearts, thanks to the following attributes:
- white-pink flowers from June to September
- compact growth height of 20 to 40 centimeters
- hardy to -24 degrees Celsius
- highest content of essential oils
Thus, 'Binsuga' outranks its conspecifics, as it is ideal for container cultivation due to its comparatively low height.
Tips & Tricks
If you add Japanese purple parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica) to the lemon balm species in the bed as a plant neighbor, a breathtaking play of colors is created. Parsley develops purple foliage that contrasts wonderfully with the white-pink or purple flowers and velvety green leaves of lemon balm.
