Melissa is a genus of perennial herbs in the family Lamiaceae.

Its species are native to Europe and Asia but cultivated and naturalized in many other places.

[1][2][3][4] The name Melissa is derived from the Greek word μέλισσα (mélissa) meaning "honeybee", owing to the abundance of nectar in the flowers.

The leaves are borne in opposite pairs on the stems, and are usually ovate or heart-shaped and emit a lemony scent when bruised.

[6] Source:[1] They are very frost hardy plants which prefer full sun or light shade if summers are hot.