This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: poor, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Lemon-scented, light green leaves appear in early spring and are followed in midsummer by spikes of tiny, pale-yellow flowers, which fade to white or lilac. This is an easy-to-grow foliage plant that is ideal for the front of a sunny border or herb garden. The flowers are attractive to bees, reflected in one of the plant's common names (bee balm), and the lemon-scented leaves are delicious in salads, soups and also great for tea making.
  
  
• Garden care: It self-seeds freely, so is best cut down after flowering unless you want a large clump.