Perfect for an edible landscape, Mandarina Orange Balm is a bushy perennial herb, similar to lemon balm, but its leaves smell like fresh oranges. The heavily wrinkled leaves are edible and can be added to soups, salads, sauces, and vegetables or used to flavor teas. The leaves can also be dried to add a citrusy scent to potpourri and sachets.
A Melissa officinalis species, commonly called lemon balm, Mandarina is an interesting variety, commonly known as orange balm, with a unique orange scent, reminiscent to mandarin oranges. Vigorous and well-branched, the plant has a vigorous, mounding habit and grows to a mature size of 12 to 16 inches tall and wide. The plants spread by self-seeding and make a lovely, scented ground cover, especially in border fronts, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. But it may look its best gently spilling over the edges of mixed containers and hanging baskets.
Cold hardy to Zone 4, Mandarina grows best in a sunny to partially sunny spot with average, dry to medium moist, freely draining soil, but it adapts to a wide range of soils, including poor soils. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade may prove beneficial. Prune plants regularly to keep plants looking clean and tidy, to curtail unwanted self-seeding, and to encourage new leaf growth to maintain the best fragrance. Learn more about growing herbs with our How to Grow Herbs Indoors blog.
