About
A clump-forming perennial from 30cm to 60cm tall, with dull greyish-green, aromatic, lance-shaped leaves in widely spaced pairs. Whorls of pale pink to white, two-lipped, tubular flowers with small, purple spots appear in the summer.
About the genus
Monarda can be annuals or clump-forming herbaceous perennials with aromatic, ovate leaves and terminal whorls of 2-lipped, tubular flowers from summer to early autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Prairie planting
Native toCentral and E USA
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. More tolerant of poor, dry soil than most monardas, but protect from excessive winter wet . Lift and divide every three years
PruningDeadheading regularly should encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free