About

A herbaceous perennial forming a clump to 90cm in height, with aromatic, bronze-tinged, lanceolate leaves and terminal whorls of deep scarlet, two-lipped flowers.

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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

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
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer. Lift and divide every three years.
PruningDeadhead regularly then cut stems down to the ground in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug atack
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews