Overview
Monarda is a clump-forming, erect stems herbaceous perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves foliage. Monarda grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include mixed borders, herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings.
About
Monarda, commonly known as bergamot or bee balm, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae family. It features erect stems with aromatic, mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves. From summer to early autumn, it produces terminal clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers. Suited to fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H5. This cultivar is ideal for mixed or herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings, preferring east, south, or west-facing aspects in both exposed and sheltered locations.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Monarda
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Erect stems
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Mid-green, Lance-shaped or ovate leaves
- Suggested uses
- Mixed borders, Herbaceous borders, Prairie-style plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to rabbits and deer
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda?
Monarda prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda need?
Monarda grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda hardy in the UK?
Monarda has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Monarda?
Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings.
More in the Monarda genus
- Monarda 'Bergamo'
- Monarda 'Cherokee'
- Monarda 'Deep Purple'bergamot 'Deep Purple'
- Monarda 'Petite Wonder'
- Monarda bradburiana
- Monarda didyma 'Duddiscombe'
- Monarda didyma 'Lilac Lollipop' (Sugar Buzz Series)
- Monarda didyma 'Melua Appleblossom'