MELITTIS (Melitt'is)

DESCRIPTION: This perennial (commonly called Bastard Balm) is found wild from west central and south Europe to the Ukraine. This plant forms tufts of fragrant, mid- to bright green foliage. Each leaf is hairy and has finely scalloped margins. The tubular, 2-lipped flowers are borne in whorls in the axils of leafy spikes, in the summer. They may be pink, purple or white with a purple lower lip. This plant grows up to a foot high and wide.

POTTING: Bastard Balm should be grown in fertile, well-drained soil in light shade.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the fall or the plants may be divided in the spring or fall.

VARIETIES: M. melissophyllum.

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