Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction'PBR
bastard balm 'Royal Velvet Distinction'
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Get involved
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