Melittis melissiophyllum ‘Royal Velvet Distinction’
Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction' has curious, orchid-like, white flowers with fuchsia lips held over fuzzy foliage.
Melittis melissiophyllum, bastard balm, is something you don’t find every day. This unique species has white orchid-like flowers with a pink lip in mid to late spring. ‘Royal Velvet Distinction’ offers a deeper pink lip edged in white which is more ornamental than the species. The foliage is light green and slightly fuzzy with a light lemon fragrance when rubbed. This native of the old world is found from the southern UK through central Europe and as far east as Turkey. The genus name Melittis refers to bees, an insect that loves to visit the flowers of this intriguing plant. Tolerant of dry shade. Tolerant of fairly full sun with good moisture. Deer resistant.
Common Name: Bastard Balm
Family: Lamiaceae (The Mint Family)
Zone Hardiness: 5-9
Light: Part Sun, Part Shade
Height: 12-24"
Width: 12-24"
Primary Bloom Colour: Pink
Secondary Bloom Colour: White/Cream
Bloom Time: Mid-Late Spring
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Perennial
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry, Moist
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Mountainous deciduous woods (oak, beech and chestnut), but also areas with pines, hedges, shrubs and junipers. They usually occur on wood-edges and hedgebanks at an altitude of 0-1400 metres (0-4,600 feet) above sea level.
Award:
Geographical Origin: Europe and Western Russia, Southwest Asia and Asia Minor
