Overview
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Melittis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' is a clump-forming cultivar of bastard balm, a deciduous flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Growing to around 0.3 metres tall, it thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained soil, adaptable to sandy, loamy or clay types with a range of pH levels. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders, it is hardy to UK zone H7. Propagation can be done by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or by division in spring.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melittis
About the genus
Melittis melissophyllum is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its common name is bastard balm.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melittis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
- Fragrance
- Mildly aromatic leaves
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy or clay soils with a range of pH levels; suitable for sheltered positions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, Divide in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction'?
Prefers partial shade and moist but well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy or clay soils with a range of pH levels; suitable for sheltered positions.
Where is the best place to plant Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction'?
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' need?
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' grow?
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' hardy in the UK?
Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Melittis melissophyllum 'RoyalVelvetDistinction'?
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, Divide in spring.