Overview
Melittis melissophyllum var. album is a perennial herb in the genus Melittis, part of the Q53476 family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Melittis melissophyllum var. album grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shade gardens and ground cover. It is native to Europe.
About
Melittis melissophyllum var. album is a shade-loving perennial herb with scented flowers and foliage. It remains compact, reaching about 0.3 m in height and flowers from May to July. Plant it in moist but well-drained soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH, positioned in partial shade or full shade and sheltered from strong winds. Its scent makes it a good choice for paths and seating areas in shady parts of the garden.
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.
In the garden
Melittis melissophyllum var. album is a perennial herb native to Europe that brings scented foliage and flowers to shady corners. It reaches roughly 0.3 m and produces its blooms from May to July, offering a seasonal display in the late spring and early summer months. Gardeners in the UK should treat it as fully hardy (H7); the USDA range 5–9 indicates it tolerates a range of temperate winters but performs best where plants are not exposed to drying winds. Choose a site in partial shade or full shade, ideally facing north or east, and protected from harsh exposure. The plant tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they remain moist but well drained, and it prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. A sheltered border beneath trees or the dappled shade of a shrubbery suits it well. Use bastard balm in woodland or shade gardens, as a ground cover beneath shrubs, or beside garden paths where the scented foliage and flowers will be appreciated at close range. At about 0.3 m high it sits well in the lower layer of a shade border without competing with taller perennials.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melittis
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North, East
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Melittis melissophyllum var. album size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Woodland gardens, Shade gardens, Ground cover
- Native to
- Europe
- Fragrance
- Flower, Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melittis melissophyllum var. album
- Cultivation
- Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- By seed or division in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melittis melissophyllum var. album?
Prefers shaded or semi-shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Where is the best place to plant Melittis melissophyllum var. album?
Melittis melissophyllum var. album prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melittis melissophyllum var. album need?
Melittis melissophyllum var. album is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Melittis melissophyllum var. album?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Melittis melissophyllum var. album grow?
Melittis melissophyllum var. album reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Melittis melissophyllum var. album hardy in the UK?
Melittis melissophyllum var. album 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 var. album?
By seed or division in spring or autumn.
