Lemon Balm 'Orange Mandarin'

Scientific Name: Melissa officinalis 'Mandarina'

Common Name: Orange Balm

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Height: Up to 1 meter (3.3 feet)

Width: Approximately 0.5 meters (1.6 feet)

Spacing: 30–45 cm (12–18 inches)

Attracts: Bees

Flavour: Citrus aroma with hints of orange

Use: Ideal for teas, culinary dishes, and aromatherapy

Plant Habit: Bushy, upright

Harvest: Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season; best used fresh

Companion Plants: Basil, rosemary, and sage

General Information: Orange Balm (Melissa officinalis 'Mandarina') is a cultivar of lemon balm, selected for its distinctive citrus fragrance with orange undertones. This perennial herb is part of the mint family and is native to Europe and Asia. The aromatic leaves are commonly used in culinary applications, such as flavouring teas, salads, and desserts, and are also utilized in traditional medicine for their calming properties. In temperate regions, lemon balm is typically grown as an annual or in pots that can be moved indoors during colder months, as it is sensitive to frost.