Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PP 13,233

Actually, we grew this clumping mint relative for the common name, but it turned out to be a rather cool plant. This native of the UK and continental Europe has fared amazingly well in our hot, humid summers. This particularly attractive compact selection from Eleonore de Koning of the Netherlands, is the nicest bastard balm we've grown...hell, it's the only bastard balm we've grown. The clump is topped in spring by stalks of small, orchid-like, white flowers, each with a dark purple lip. When not in flower, the 18" tall x 18" wide clump is composed of fuzzy green, lightly lemon-scented foliage. The question of the day is...who in their right mind would patent a bastard balm???