Overview
Monarda 'Danish Dark' is a clump-forming, erect stems herbaceous perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves foliage. Monarda 'Danish Dark' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include mixed borders, herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings.
About
Monarda 'Danish Dark' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Monarda genus, known for its erect stems and aromatic, mid-green, ovate leaves. Like other Monardas, it produces terminal clusters of tubular flowers with two lips from summer to early autumn. This cultivar thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for mixed or herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings. Propagation is typically by division in early spring or basal softwood cuttings.
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
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda 'Danish Dark' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Erect stems
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Mid-green, Lance-shaped or ovate leaves
- Suggested uses
- Mixed borders, Herbaceous borders, Prairie-style plantings
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Danish Dark'
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to rabbits and deer
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Danish Dark'?
Monarda 'Danish Dark' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Danish Dark' need?
Monarda 'Danish Dark' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda 'Danish Dark' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Danish Dark' 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 'Danish Dark'?
Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings.
More in the Monarda genus
- Monardabergamot
- Monarda 'Bergamo'
- Monarda 'Cherokee'
- Monarda 'Deep Purple'bergamot 'Deep Purple'
- Monarda 'Petite Wonder'
- Monarda bradburiana
- Monarda didyma 'Duddiscombe'
- Monarda didyma 'Lilac Lollipop' (Sugar Buzz Series)