Overview
Monarda bradburiana is a upright, clump-forming perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, dark green foliage. Monarda bradburiana 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. It is native to southeastern United States.
About
Monarda bradburiana, the eastern beebalm or Bradbury's beebalm, is a species of perennial flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, that is native to much of the southeastern United States.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda bradburiana
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
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 bradburiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Upright, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Dark green
- Suggested uses
- Beds, Borders, Herb gardens, Planters
- Native to
- southeastern United States
- Fragrance
- aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda bradburiana
- Propagation
- Division every 2-3 years
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to powdery mildew in some cultivars
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda bradburiana?
Monarda bradburiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda bradburiana need?
Monarda bradburiana grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda bradburiana hardy in the UK?
Monarda bradburiana 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 bradburiana?
Division every 2-3 years.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Monarda genus
- Monarda didymabergamot
- Monarda didyma 'Adam'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'Cambridge Scarlet Bee Balm
- Monarda didyma 'Croftway Pink'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda fistulosaAmerican wild bergamot
- Monarda fistulosa 'Magnifica'Magnifica bee balm
- Monarda fistulosa 'Prairie Night'Prairie Night Bee Balm