Overview
Monarda 'Baby Spice' 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 'Baby Spice' 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 'Baby Spice' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the mint family with aromatic, mid-green lance-shaped to ovate leaves and erect stems. It carries summer flower heads from June to September. The foliage is scented and the plant suits both full sun and partial shade. It prefers a loam that remains moist but drains freely and is rated hardy (H5) in the UK.
About the genus
Monarda is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The genus is endemic to North America. Common names include bergamot, bee balm, horsemint, and oswego tea, the first being inspired by the fragrance of the leaves, which is reminiscent of bergamot orange.
Wikipedia contributors, "Monarda", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda
In the garden
Monarda 'Baby Spice' sits in the Lamiaceae as a clump-forming, erect-stemmed perennial with aromatic, mid-green leaves. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a mid- to late-summer presence in the border. The plant tolerates a range of soil pH values — acid, neutral or alkaline — provided the soil is a loam that stays moist yet drains well. Place Monarda 'Baby Spice' where it receives full sun or partial shade; east-, south- and west-facing aspects all suit it. It will cope in both exposed and sheltered situations and is classified as hardy (H5) for UK gardens, meaning it survives typical winter conditions without special protection. Aim for a site where the crowns have good air movement to help the soil remain free-draining. Use it toward the middle of mixed and herbaceous borders or within prairie-style plantings, where its upright clumps add structure through the summer months. The aromatic leaves remain a garden feature through and after flowering, so position where the scent can be appreciated when paths or beds are walked past.
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 'Baby Spice' 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 'Baby Spice'
- 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 'Baby Spice'?
Monarda 'Baby Spice' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Baby Spice' need?
Monarda 'Baby Spice' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda 'Baby Spice' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Baby Spice' 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 'Baby Spice'?
Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings.