Photo of Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233 flower by Avant Gardens

Photo by Avant Gardens

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Buy Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233

Also Known As

  • Melittis 'Distinction'
  • Royal Velvet Distinction Bastard Balm
  • ROYAL VELVET PLANT

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

4x5" | $17

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Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233 plant details

Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233 is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer purple and white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: clumping, container plant, fragrant, honey-scented, lemon-scented, rare, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Soil needs: average and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Rare and charming, wine-red and white orchid-like flowers profusely grace this 18-30" beauty with its honey-scented foliage, over a long period in border or container; butterflies love it! S/M/GDr PP13233 EU8166
White orchid-like flowers. Scented foliage.
Here's something you don't find every day. This unique species has white orchid-like flowers with a pink lip. 'Royal Velvet Distinction' offers a deep pink lip edged in white which is more ornamental than the species. The foliage is light green and slightly fuzzy. This native of the old world is found from the southern UK through central Europe and as far east as Turkey. The genus name Melittis refers to bees, an insect that loves to visit the flowers of this intriguing plant.
A mouthful of a name....yet for all its pedigreed pompousness, it is commonly called Bastard Balm...so there. It is actually a quite attractive member of the mint family with orchid-like white flowers accented by a dark purple lip. When not in flower, the 18" clump is composed of fuzzy green, lemon scented foliage.

Gardening facts about Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233 plant

How to Grow Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP13233

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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