Lemzest™ Lemon Balm

Lemzest Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis 'LB01') is a stronger, zestier lemon balm bred by Ozbreed, with a beautifully strong fresh lemon scent. It forms an attractive bushy clump 25cm to 35cm high and 30cm to 40cm wide that makes a garden pleasant to walk through and gives the kitchen a fresh lemon flavour all season.

Why you'll love it

• Strong lemon flavour. More zest than ordinary lemon balm, so a few leaves go a long way.
• A scent worth planting for. The fresh lemon fragrance lifts a path or doorway whenever you brush past.
• Bushy and tidy. Attractive, compact growth makes a neat clump in a bed or pot.
• Tea, drinks and cooking. It makes a calming herbal tea on its own or with mint, and it flavours fruit juice, mineral water, salads, soups and vinegar, and suits chicken, pork and fish.
• Happier in summer shade. It prefers light to moderate shade in hot summers, so it fills spots where sun loving herbs sulk.

Where it works best

Herb beds. Plant 30cm to 40cm apart in spring and summer, in full sun to part shade.

Shady kitchen corners. In hot summers it prefers light to moderate shade, so the east side of a house or a spot under a deciduous tree suits it.

Pots and doorways. A pot beside the door puts the scent where you walk past it, and it also keeps the plant in check.

Teas and cold drinks. Pick a handful of fresh leaves for tea, or crush a few into a jug of mineral water.

Growing Lemzest Lemon Balm in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with light to moderate shade in hot summers. Lemon balm is a hardy perennial. In frosty gardens it dies back in winter and reshoots in spring.

Soil. Fertile, moist but well drained soil with compost worked in suits it best. Avoid ground that stays soggy over winter.

Water and feed. Keep the soil moist in hot summers, and avoid over watering, particularly in winter. In spring and autumn, if required, apply a slow release fertiliser or work compost into the soil.

Pruning and harvest. Harvest often by picking stems, which keeps the clump bushy. Lemon balm self seeds freely, so cut the flower stalks before they set seed if you want to keep it where you planted it.

What to expect when it arrives

We list Lemzest Lemon Balm in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• More fragrant plants
• Growing a successful fruit and vegetable garden
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

What is lemon balm used for?

Mostly as a fresh herb. Use the leaves for tea, in cold drinks, in salads and soups, and with chicken, pork and fish.

Does it spread?

It can self seed, so cut off the flower stalks before the seed sets if you want to keep it tidy.

Can I grow it in shade?

Yes. It does well in full sun to part shade, and prefers light to moderate shade in hot summers.