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Lamiaceae
Bastard Balm
Melittis melissophyllum
Woodland tranquility.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Melittis
- Native to
- Europe
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- perennial
- Height
- 1-2 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, alkaline
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 5-8
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The genus name Melittis comes from the Greek word for honey bee, as bees are strongly attracted to the flowers.
- It is the only species in its genus, making it a botanical one-of-a-kind.
- The flowers can be bicolored, with a white tube and dramatic pink or purple lip, making each bloom unique.
- Dried leaves retain a pleasant coumarin-like scent for months and were once used as a strewing herb.
- In the wild, it is typically found at the edges of ancient woodlands and is considered an indicator of old-growth forest.
Color meanings
0
peace
1
calm