Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
A clump-forming native wildflower and member of the mint family, Melittis, or bastard balm, bears sweet scented, mint-like lobed flowers in summer. Like mint, its leaves are aromatic, although their scent is less pleasing than that of mint. Established plants are extremely drought tolerant.
Melittis melissophyllum subsp. albida has pure white flowers. Grow in a shady part of the garden such as a woodland border, in moist but well-drained soil.
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Melittis and wildlife
Melittis is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects and butterflies/moths. It is a caterpillar food plant and has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
