Melittis melissophyllum

Melittis melissophyllum, commonly known as Bastard Balm or Sweet Mary, is a herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall with a spread of about 30 cm. It features heart-shaped, dark green leaves with serrated edges. Its pinkish-purple flowers bloom on tall spikes from late spring to early summer. Melittis melissophyllum is valued for its medicinal properties, thanks to its essential oils that possess antiseptic qualities, useful for treating wounds or skin infections. The leaves have also been traditionally used to make tea, effective against coughs. Bastard Balm is an attractive ornamental plant, ideal for gardens due to its low maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade but can also thrive in full sun with adequate moisture. In summary, Melittis melissophyllum is a beautiful herbaceous perennial with medicinal benefits, making it a worthwhile addition to any garden or natural medicine collection.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Melittis

Family

Lamiaceae

Hardiness Zone

5-9

Mature Height

20 cm to 61 cm

Mature Spread

46 cm to 61 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

White, Purple

Flower Size

2.54 cm to 5.08 cm

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (5)

Common Names (3)