Melissa officinalis

A friend gave me a small pot of this as a gift for my 'new' garden.
It's growing vigorously, a bit too vigorously for my liking, though it's got a nice smell and nice fresh green foliage.

I read up on it and it looks quite invasive and apparently spreads easily by seed.

I'm wondering whether to just pull it out before the trouble starts.

Anyone got an opinion or experience with this little terror?

cheers

 

I had melissa in my old garden, and it is a lively fellow but not such a terror. Much less than peppermint for example. If you are worried about the roots cut the bottom out of a large plastic pot and sink into the ground before planting. As for the seed my advice is to cut the all plant after blooming, because it becomes hideous, all legs and stalks.

 

Mine's gone a bit berserk this year, but it does die back over winter. I think there are a few seedlings about but not too many.
It makes a lovely tea which is great when you're stressed. I just pick a few sprigs, pour on boiling water and leave until it's not too hot to drink.
I'm planning to give mine a serious haircut and chop up and freeze some of the trimmings, to see if I can make tea over the winter that way.

 

Thanks for replies. Yes I heard it makes a nice drink.
But since I'm not the most diligent of gardeners I think I'll dig it up or it's sure to run riot.
Hate to do it but I've got enough weeds as it is

 

I have a varigated variety that is not so vigorous, at least not yet. It's been in the gardenf ro over 2 years now and the clumps is small and controllable.

The normal Lemon Balm is quite fast growing although I have not had it spread too much.