About
A compact, clump-forming perennial to 40cm tall and wide with oval or egg-shaped deeply-veined leaves with scalloped edges. Small whorls of orchid-like flowers comprising a dark purple lower lip and white upper lip are borne in late spring and early summer. Both the stems and leaves are covered with hairs and are honey scented.
About the 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.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free