Melissa officinalis 'Aurea'

Common name(s): variegated lemon balm

Description: perennial; a variegated, golden-leaved cultivar of the well-known herb, lemon balm. Very aromatic lemon-scented leaves and a tendency to reseed itself freely around the garden (which can be prevented with diligent removal of flowerheads before seed ripens). Used extensively in traditional medicine and herbal tea production as well as in the perfume industry. 

Height: to 2 ft. Spread: to 1 ft.

Position: partial shade to full shade and any soil type

Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal tea, to attract pollinators

Winter Hardiness: to 0 F and below

Drought: adapted to 3 months of summer drought