Lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Plate from Flore médicale, Paris, 1833–1835. Biodiversity Heritage Library, no known copyright restrictions.
Bright, lemony, and almost impossible to discourage. Lemon balm spreads eagerly, so many keep it in a pot to save the garden bed.
Growing it
Happy in sun or part shade and forgiving of most soils. Pinch it back often to keep it bushy and stop it flowering too soon.
Brewing a cup
A small handful of fresh leaves, torn, over hot water for a few minutes. Bright enough to drink through the day, gentle enough for the evening.
