Bastard Balm
Melittis x hybrida 'Royal Velvet Distinction'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe and Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Melittis melissophyllum, commonly known as Bastard Balm, is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It features aromatic, ovate, toothed, green leaves and large, two-lipped, tubular flowers that bloom in whorls in the upper leaf axils. It is highly attractive to bees. This cultivar is noted for its particularly large, showy flowers featuring a rich, velvety, reddish-purple lower lip and a contrasting pale pink to white upper hood. It is a floriferous and vigorous selection.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Water regularly until seedlings establish
- Provide full sun for best flowering
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and full sun exposure for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during peak flowering
- Refrain from using heavy mulch that retains too much moisture
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bastard Balm questions
What zones can Bastard Balm grow in?
Bastard Balm is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bastard Balm deer resistant?
Yes — Bastard Balm is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bastard Balm bloom?
Bastard Balm typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bastard Balm need full sun?
Bastard Balm does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Bastard Balm with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
