Lemon Balm vs. Lemon Verbena: What's the Difference?
Walk through a garden center or browse a loose-leaf tea shop, and you'll likely come across two wonderfully fragrant herbs: lemon balm and lemon verbena.
Because both have "lemon" in their names and are commonly used in herbal teas, many people assume they're the same plant. In reality, they're quite different in appearance, flavor, growing habits, and traditional uses.
If you've ever wondered which one belongs in your garden—or your teacup—this guide will help you understand the differences.
Meet Lemon Balm
Botanical Name: Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae).
It has:
- Soft, textured green leaves
- A gentle lemon fragrance
- Small white flowers
- A bushy growth habit
- Excellent cold hardiness in many climates
It's one of the easiest herbs for beginners and returns year after year in many gardens.
Meet Lemon Verbena
Botanical Name: Aloysia citrodora
Lemon verbena is a woody shrub native to South America.
It features:
- Long, narrow leaves
- An intense lemon fragrance
- Small white or pale lavender flowers
- Upright branching stems
- A more shrub-like appearance
In colder climates, it may need winter protection or be grown in containers.
Appearance
At first glance, these herbs look quite different.
Lemon Balm
- Rounded leaves
- Slightly wrinkled texture
- Bright green color
- Compact, bushy shape
Lemon Verbena
- Long, slender leaves
- Smooth texture
- More upright growth
- Woody stems as it matures
If the labels disappear, the leaves alone usually make identification easy.
Aroma
Both herbs smell wonderfully lemony, but the fragrances aren't identical.
Lemon Balm
- Light
- Fresh
- Soft citrus
- Slight hint of mint
Lemon Verbena
- Bright
- Bold
- Intensely lemony
- More similar to lemon zest
If you're looking for the strongest lemon fragrance, lemon verbena usually wins.
If you prefer something gentler, lemon balm is often the favorite.
Flavor
The flavor differences become even more noticeable in tea.
Lemon Balm
- Mild
- Smooth
- Light citrus
- Soft herbal finish
Lemon Verbena
- Brighter citrus flavor
- Slightly stronger
- More lemon-forward
- Crisp finish
Both are delicious—it simply depends on your personal preference.
Growing Differences
Lemon Balm
- Easy for beginners
- Hardy perennial in many climates
- Grows quickly
- Attracts bees
- Can self-seed
Lemon Verbena
- Needs warmer conditions
- Less cold hardy
- Slower growing
- Often grown in containers in colder climates
- Benefits from winter protection
For most home gardeners, lemon balm is the easier plant to grow.
Pollinators
Both herbs produce flowers that attract beneficial insects.
However, lemon balm is especially well known for attracting honeybees.
In fact, its botanical name, Melissa, comes from the Greek word for "bee."
If creating a pollinator garden is one of your goals, lemon balm is an excellent choice.
Culinary Uses
Both herbs have many culinary uses.
Lemon Balm
Wonderful in:
- Herbal tea
- Lemonade
- Fruit salads
- Infused water
- Herbal butter
- Desserts
Lemon Verbena
Popular in:
- Cakes
- Custards
- Sorbets
- Syrups
- Cookies
- Herbal tea
Many cooks actually enjoy keeping both herbs on hand.
Can You Grow Both?
Absolutely.
Many herb gardens include both lemon balm and lemon verbena because they complement each other beautifully.
Lemon balm offers easy growth and abundant harvests, while lemon verbena contributes its wonderfully bold citrus fragrance.
Together, they provide a wider variety of flavors for teas, recipes, and herbal projects.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose lemon balm if you want:
- An easy herb to grow
- A perennial plant
- A pollinator-friendly garden
- Mild herbal tea
- Multiple harvests throughout summer
Choose lemon verbena if you want:
- A stronger lemon flavor
- A fragrant ornamental shrub
- An herb for desserts and baking
- A more intense citrus aroma
Of course, if you have room, many gardeners happily grow both.
How We Enjoy Lemon Balm at Calhoun Farmstead
While both herbs have their place, lemon balm has earned a permanent home in our garden.
We love how easy it is to grow, how much the bees enjoy its flowers, and how versatile it is throughout the year. Each harvest becomes loose-leaf Lemon Balm Tea, and we also incorporate it into handcrafted botanical products like our Lemon Balm Salve and Lemon Balm Lip Oil.
Its fresh fragrance, dependable growth, and countless everyday uses make it one of the herbs we reach for most often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lemon balm and lemon verbena the same plant?
No. They are completely different species with different growth habits and appearances.
Which smells more like lemon?
Lemon verbena generally has the stronger, more intense lemon fragrance.
Which is easier to grow?
Lemon balm is usually much easier for beginners and is more cold-hardy in many climates.
Can I use them together?
Yes. They blend beautifully in teas and herbal recipes.
Which attracts more bees?
Both attract pollinators, but lemon balm is especially famous for attracting honeybees.
Final Thoughts
Lemon balm and lemon verbena may share a bright citrus fragrance, but each brings something unique to the garden and the kitchen.
If you're looking for an easy-to-grow perennial with gentle flavor, beautiful pollinator blooms, and countless everyday uses, lemon balm is hard to beat. If you love bold lemon flavor and fragrant shrubs, lemon verbena is a wonderful companion.
Whichever you choose—or if you decide to grow both—you'll be adding two delightful herbs to your gardening and herbal journey.
Explore Related Products
Interested in incorporating lemon balm into your daily routine? Explore our collection of handcrafted products inspired by traditional herbal practices and natural living. From soothing herbal teas to botanical body care, each product is thoughtfully crafted in small batches using quality ingredients and a love for simple, nature-inspired wellness.
Recommended Products & Resources
Growing your herbal knowledge is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you're planting your first herb garden, learning how to preserve your harvest, or exploring traditional herbal practices, these books and tools can help you continue your journey.
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Continue Your Lemon Balm Journey
If you enjoyed learning about lemon balm, explore more articles in our complete Lemon Balm educational series.
Growing Lemon Balm
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Lemon Balm: Benefits, Uses, Growing Tips, Recipes, and More
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How to Grow Lemon Balm
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Is Lemon Balm Easy to Grow?
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Does Lemon Balm Come Back Every Year?
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Does Lemon Balm Spread?
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Companion Plants for Lemon Balm
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Why Bees Love Lemon Balm
Harvesting & Preserving
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When to Harvest Lemon Balm
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How to Dry Lemon Balm
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Fresh vs. Dried Lemon Balm
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How to Store Dried Lemon Balm
Recipes & Everyday Uses
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How to Make Lemon Balm Tea
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Lemon Balm Lemonade Recipe
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Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
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Creative Ways to Use Fresh Lemon Balm
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Herbs That Pair Well with Lemon Balm
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