Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction'
"Bastard balm"
Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in August/September
Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in September/October
Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
Free tracked delivery
on orders over £50
Tracked delivery £4.99
on orders under £50
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Delivery to Northern Ireland
Tracked delivery £6.99
on orders under £50
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Description
Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction' is a quietly intriguing perennial, the sort of plant that rewards those who lean in for a closer look. Compact and clump-forming, this bastard balm grows to around 40cm tall and wide, making a refined choice for the front of a border, a lightly shaded path edge or a woodland-style planting. Its oval, deeply veined green leaves have scalloped edges and a softly hairy texture, matched by hairy stems with a gentle honey scent. Then, in late spring and early summer, Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction' lifts the scene with small whorls of orchid-like flowers, each one combining a dark purple lower lip with a clean white upper lip.
There is something rather painterly about Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction', as though each bloom has been given a careful brushstroke of ink and ivory. Plant it in humus-rich, well-drained soil in dappled shade or gentle sun, where its neat habit and scented foliage can be appreciated without shouting for attention. As a bastard balm, Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction' pairs beautifully with ferns, epimediums, hardy geraniums and spring bulbs, adding a poised note among softer leaves and naturalistic planting. Bees are likely to take an interest too, proving that good taste is not limited to gardeners. Elegant, aromatic and pleasingly uncommon, Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' brings subtle distinction to small gardens and considered borders alike.
Key features
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Comes back every year
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Attractive to wildlife
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Loved by pollinators
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Thrives well in full sun
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Low maintenance
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Fully hardy
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Melittis melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' syn. 'Royal Crimson Distinction'
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Flower colour
Purple, white
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Plant size
9cm root ball
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Established height
30-50cm
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Established spread
30-50cm
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Plant spacing
9 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Spreading
Clump-forming -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
2-3 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
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Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Borders
Container
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Damp
Free draining -
Soil type
Loam
Clay
Loam-based compost
Sandy
Chalk -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
No
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
No
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Rabbit resistant
Yes
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak the Melittis 'Royal Velvet Distinction' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "Bastard balm" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost within a week of delivery and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in September 2026Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in October 2026Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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