Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction'PBR

RHS Plant Profile
bastard balm 'Royal Velvet Distinction'

Synonyms

Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Crimson Distinction'

Herbaceous Perennial

A compact, clump-forming perennial to 40cm tall and wide with oval or egg-shaped deeply-veined leaves with scalloped edges. Both the stems and leaves are covered with hairs and are honey scented. Small whorls of orchid-like flowers comprising a dark purple lower lip and white upper lip are borne in late spring and early summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free