Bee balm SOLNEVSKY SEMKO

SOLNEVSKY SEMKO is a perennial rhizomatous plant reaching heights of 60–80 cm. Its stems are straight and branched, while the leaves are lanceolate with serrated‑acute edges covered by soft pubescence. In young age, the leaves emit a bright lemon aroma.

The plant's flowers of a pink‑purple shade gather in dense inflorescences and bloom in July–August. They are widely used for flavoring special tea varieties, imparting a fresh citrus accent to the beverage.

Seeds of SOLNEVSKY SEMKO contain about 1800 pieces per gram and are easily reproduced by sowing in the ground early in spring. After germination, the plants are pricked out, and then transplanted in autumn to a permanent location at a distance of 40 cm between plants. The plant is cold‑hardy, prefers sunny areas or light partial shade, and grows well in moderately moist conditions.