Overview
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda 'Croftway Pink' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soil soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, pollinator gardens and herb gardens. It is native to North America.
About
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' is a perennial herb cultivar within the Monarda genus, known commonly as Bee Balm and part of the mint family, Lamiaceae. This North American native thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is hardy in the UK to H5 and is suitable for borders, pollinator gardens, and herb gardens. The plant is aromatic with a minty fragrance and benefits from deadheading to extend flowering, as well as cutting back after flowering to encourage bushiness.
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
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- Moist, but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, pollinator gardens, herb gardens
- Native to
- North America
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, minty
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Croftway Pink'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Monarda 'Croftway Pink'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Croftway Pink'?
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Croftway Pink' need?
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to but well-drained.
How do I prune Monarda 'Croftway Pink'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage bushiness.
Is Monarda 'Croftway Pink' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Croftway Pink' 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 'Croftway Pink'?
Division, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Something in FlowerThe best pollinator gardens keep something in bloom every month, not just in summer. A season-by-season UK guide to feeding bees and butterflies all year, from winter crocuses to autumn ivy.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
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