Melittis melissophyllum - Bastard Balm

Family:	Labiatae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Width:	0.3
Synonyms:	M. grandiflora. M. sylvestris.
Range:	Central and southern Europe, including Britain.

Melittis melissophyllum (Bastard Balm) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 6.
Bastard Balm will flower in November to January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, moths

Soil Information

Bastard Balm will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Bastard Balm prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Hedges, scrub and mountain woods[187].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any good soil in partial shade[1, 187]. Prefers a rich loam[1]. Grows well in thickets, woodland edges and the garden border[1]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[187]. The flowers have a pleasing sweet honey-like scent[245]. The leaves become sweetly fragrant as they dry[245], they retain their fragrance for a long time[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
A coumarin scented (like new-mown hay) herb, it is occasionally used for making a 'Maiwein' or 'Maibowle' type of beverage[183].

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

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
Astringent, blood purifier, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, vulnerary[61].

• 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.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame in the autumn[188]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring[200] or autumn[188]. 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.

Scented parts of the plants

Flowers : FreshLeaves : Dried

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.