Melittis Species, Balm, Bastard Balm
Melittismelissophyllum

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Melittis (mel-IT-iss)
Species: melissophyllum (mel-iss-oh-FIL-um)

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Partial to Full Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
Pink
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds