Melittis melissophyllum
bastard balm
A strongly aromatic, herbaceous perennial to 60cm tall, forming a clump of erect, square stems. The leaves, borne in opposite pairs, are softly hairy and wrinkled. In late spring and summer it produces whorls of tubular flowers in white, pink or purple, or white with pink or purple lips; the flowers are attractive to bees. Grow this native wildflower in a shady border or woodland garden
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Melittis are a group of flowering plants from the mint family. Flowering from May to August, they can vary in shape and colour and are often strongly aromatic. Leaves are oval and hairy and stems are upright and also hairy. Flower colour can be white to pale pink with a purple blotch on the lower lip.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Divide in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.