Expect to be pleased by this yellow-leaved cultivar of the normal green-leaved true species balm. It is a classic medicinal plant, thus its officinalis tag, meaning 'of medical importance'. It grows well in a pot, where it looks good and can be moved around to best effect, but it does have to be watered frequently.

Grown in a border it will produce reliably strong growth and it's a good mixer with other herbal relations belonging to the labiate family. Lemon balm thrives in sunshine. It needs to be cut down to ground level during winter.

Looking Good:
See and smell lemon balm at the National Trust's Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent, during the summer.

Best With:
Grow it by itself, or alongside mint. For more information and ideas, check out Herb Garden and Hot and Dry Garden.