White melilot
Melilotus albus · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant white melilot: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 60 to 120 cm height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15°C
- Origin
- Western Asia and Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Well-drained, undemanding
- Life cycle
- Biennial
Care
Light Exposure
White melilot prefers full sun exposure for abundant flowering. It tolerates semi-shaded areas but will flower less profusely. Place it in a bright, open location.
Soil and Drainage
This plant adapts to most soils, even poor or chalky ones. Drainage is important: avoid waterlogging in winter. Well-aerated soil will promote optimal development.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish strong rooting. Once established, white melilot tolerates drought and needs little additional watering, except during extreme heat periods.
Nutrition
No fertilizer is generally necessary. As a member of the Fabaceae family, this plant fixes atmospheric nitrogen and enriches itself naturally. A moderate application in spring can stimulate growth on very poor soils.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is not essential. You can cut back stems after flowering to encourage branching and maintain a compact form. Remove spent flowers to extend the flowering period.
Health and Resistance
White melilot is very robust and rarely subject to disease. Be sure to avoid excess moisture which could encourage root rot. Good air circulation prevents most fungal problems.
Did you know?
White melilot was once cultivated as a fodder plant and green manure in agricultural rotations: it naturally enriched soils with nitrogen. Its distinctive aroma, enhanced when dried, led to its traditional use in perfumery and as herbal tea, particularly in Central Europe.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.