Bastard Balm
Melittis melissophyllum

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Melittis melissophyllum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, moths. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Hedges, scrub and mountain woods.

Central and southern Europe, including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

A coumarin scented (like new-mown hay) herb, it is occasionally used for making a 'Maiwein' or 'Maibowle' type of beverage.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Astringent, blood purifier, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, vulnerary.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Blood purifier: Purifies the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any good soil in partial shade. Prefers a rich loam. Grows well in thickets, woodland edges and the garden border. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. The flowers have a pleasing sweet honey-like scent. The leaves become sweetly fragrant as they dry, they retain their fragrance for a long time. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame in the autumn. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. grandiflora. M. sylvestris.