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Royal Velvet Distinction

Bastard Balm

Denomination: 'Royal Velvet Distinction'
Botanical Name: Melittis melissophyllum
Applicant/Holder: de Koning, Eleonore
Kruipuitsedijk 3, 4436 RC
Oudelande
Netherlands
Breeder: Eleonore de Koning, Oudelande, Netherlands
Agent in Canada: Variety Rights Management
475 County Road 18
R.R. #2
Oxford Station, Ontario
K0G 1T0
Canada
Tel: 613-258-9015
Application Date: 2002-01-11
Application Number: 02-2960
Grant of Rights Date: 2009-02-17
Certificate Number: 3452
Date rights surrendered: 2023-02-17

Variety Description

Variety used for comparison: Melittis melissophyllum

Summary: 'Royal Velvet Distinction' has darker green leaves than the species Melittis melissophyllum. The plant of 'Royal Velvet Distinction' has fewer stems than the species Melittis melissophyllum. The central lobe of the lower lip of the flower of 'Royal Velvet Distinction' is purple when freshly opened while it is light blue violet to violet for the species Melittis melissophyllum.

Description:

PLANT: vegetatively propagated, perennial, upright-bushy growth habit, sparse to medium branching
STEM: medium green, absent to very weak anthocyanin colouration, absent or very weak glaucosity, sparse to medium pubescence

LEAF: opposite arrangement, simple type, elliptic, acute apex, serrate margin, medium pubescence on upper side, dark green on upper side, no variegation, petiole present

FLOWER: one early flowering period of short to medium duration, simple type, axillary positioned, whorled in leaf axils
FLORET: upper lip white on inner side, central lobe of lower lip purple on inner side

Origin & Breeding History: 'Royal Velvet Distinction' was selected in Oudelande, The Netherlands in 1996 from a seed bed of hybrid Melittis melissophyllum seedlings that were produced from a cross of two unidentified Melittis melissophyllum selections. It was selected on the basis of unique floral characteristics and plant habit.

Tests & Trials: Trials were conducted during the summer of 2007 in Oxford Station, Ontario. Trials consisted of 10 plants of each variety individually grown in 15 cm pots in a poly house.


Comparison table for 'Royal Velvet Distinction' with reference variety Melittis melissophyllum

Flower colour (RHS)

  'Royal Velvet Distinction' Melittis melissophyllum
upper lip white white
central lobe of lower lip when freshly opened 70A/B 76A to 77C/D
central lobe of lower lip when aged 77C/D 76A to 77C/D
lateral lobes of lower lip white white

Click on image for larger view
Royal Velvet Distinction
Bastard Balm: 'Royal Velvet Distinction' (left) with Melittis melissophyllum (right)

Click on image for larger view
Royal Velvet Distinction
Bastard Balm: 'Royal Velvet Distinction' (left) with Melittis melissophyllum (right)

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