Overview
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' is a clump-forming perennial herbaceous in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens and cut flowers.
About
A perennial herbaceous plant with bright scarlet-red tubular flowers arranged in dense, rounded heads, aromatic leaves, and a bushy habit.
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
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, cut flowers
- Fragrance
- aromatic, minty
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from deadheading to prolong flowering; mulch in winter.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from deadheading to prolong flowering; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' need?
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
Is Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' 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 'Cambridge Scarlet'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.