MELITTIS melissophyllum. Bastard balm. Europe and Ukraine. I have no idea how such an innocent and pretty plant earned its common name, though it might involve an amusing story. This is a deciduous perennial of the mint family, with large, fragrant, hairy leaves. The stems are 1’ high or more and carry whorls of mint-like blossoms a little over an inch long. They are bright pink with purple markings on the inner surface. It is a pleasant and undemanding plant for borders and meadows, thriving in sun, with reasonably well drained soil and moderate watering. Hardy to about 0oF.