Overview
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' is a upright, clump-forming perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, dark green foliage. Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include beds, borders, herb gardens and planters.
About
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' is an upright, clump-forming Monarda cultivar with aromatic, dark green foliage and summer flowering. It carries heads of tubular blooms from June to September. Plant where it receives full sun or partial shade on loam that stays moist but drains freely. Suited to sheltered, south- or west-facing spots and to beds, borders, herb gardens or planters where the scent of the leaves can be enjoyed.
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
A cultivar of Monarda selected for its aromatic foliage and summer flowers, Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' delivers regular flowering from June to September. Stems form a tidy clump that bears terminal heads of blooms through the summer months, and the leaves are distinctly aromatic when handled. Place it in full sun or partial shade on a loam soil that is moist yet well drained, and avoid exposed sites; a sheltered, south- or west-facing position is ideal. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH (acid to alkaline) so long as the moisture regime is correct. Classified H4 (average) for UK hardiness, it will withstand typical winter conditions provided the planting site is not wind-exposed. Use Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' in mixed borders, herb beds or containers where its flowering habit and scented foliage can be appreciated at close range. It suits groups with other summer perennials and fits well in planters beside seating, where the aromatic leaves release their scent when brushed or crushed.
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
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Upright, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Dark green
- Suggested uses
- Beds, Borders, Herb gardens, Planters
- Fragrance
- Aromatic foliage with a minty scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter to protect roots
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent legginess
- Propagation
- Division every 2-3 years
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to powdery mildew in some cultivars
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'?
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' need?
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent legginess.
Is Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Monarda 'Beauty of Cobham'?
Division every 2-3 years.