Melittis melissophyllum ssp. albida
bastard balm
Overview
Melittis melissophyllum ssp. albida spp. is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the mint family, growing 8-28 inches (20-70 cm) tall with an upright, unbranched habit. The square stems carry opposite, oval to heart-shaped leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long with toothed margins and a wrinkled surface; crushed foliage releases a honey-like scent. From late spring into early summer, two-lipped flowers open in the leaf axils along the upper stem, each flower 1.2-1.6 inches (3-4 cm) long. In this subspecies the flowers are white to cream, sometimes with a faint pink mark on the lower lip, in contrast to the stronger pink-and-white markings of the typical species. The plant spreads slowly by a woody rootstock to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide and does not run. Growth is slow, with clumps taking 3-4 years to reach full size. Foliage dies back to the ground in winter, and stems may flop in deep shade or rich soil.
Native Range
Native to deciduous woodland and shaded clearings across central and southern Europe, from France and Spain east to Ukraine. Grows on calcareous or neutral soils in dappled shade from lowland to about 4,000 feet (1,200 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and along the north side of walls at 15-18 inch (38-45 cm) spacing. Suits dappled shade beneath deciduous trees. Slow establishment means it fills gaps over several seasons rather than within one.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to cream, occasionally faint pinkFoliage Description
Mid greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full shade in moist, well-drained soil of moderate fertility, including chalky and neutral ground. Tolerates morning sun where soil stays moist, but foliage scorches in full afternoon sun. Water during dry spells in the first two seasons until the rootstock establishes. The plant settles in slowly and does not transplant well once the rootstock is mature. Slugs feed on emerging shoots in spring. Foliage dies back fully in winter and reappears in mid-spring.Pruning
Cut faded flowering stems back after bloom if seed is not wanted. Remove dead top growth at the base in late autumn or early spring. No routine pruning is required beyond this annual cleanup.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons