Variegated Lemon Balm 'Variegata'

This variegated form of lemon balm is a decorative and useful addition to the UK herb garden. It features heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves that are splashed and margined with bright yellow, providing a splash of colour in the border. When crushed, the foliage releases a delightful, refreshing lemon scent. It is slightly less invasive than the plain green species, though it still grows vigorously and will form a substantial clump. In the UK, it is best grown in partial shade to prevent the sun from scorching the yellow parts of the leaves, although it will tolerate full sun if the soil stays moist. The leaves can be used to make a calming herbal tea, or chopped into salads and desserts. To maintain the best foliage colour and prevent unwanted self-seeding, it is advisable to cut the plant back hard after the inconspicuous white flowers appear in summer. This will encourage a fresh flush of brightly variegated leaves for the autumn.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Most moist, well-drained soils.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.