Overview
Monarda didyma 'Adam' is a perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda didyma 'Adam' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Ontario.
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
In the garden
Monarda didyma 'Adam' is a perennial member of the Monarda genus native to Ontario, notable for its bright red flowers that appear from June to September. The shoots die back with the season, leaving a dormant crown through winter; plants are fully hardy in UK gardens (H7) and also fall within USDA zones 4–10. Plant in a sunny spot; the cultivar prefers full sun and tolerates a range of soils including sandy, loamy or clay, provided they remain moist but well-drained. Avoid persistently waterlogged sites. Routine garden soils will usually suffice if kept evenly moist during the growing season. Use Monarda didyma 'Adam' where a clear splash of summer colour is needed: place it in herbaceous borders or mixed perennial beds facing south or west for best flowering. Its deciduous habit means it fits into seasonal planting plans where summer impact and winter die-back are acceptable. Expect a consistent run of red flowers through June to September, making it a recognisable component of mid-summer displays.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Monarda
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Monarda didyma 'Adam' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Native to
- Ontario
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda didyma 'Adam'?
Monarda didyma 'Adam' prefers full sun.
What soil does Monarda didyma 'Adam' need?
Monarda didyma 'Adam' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda didyma 'Adam' hardy in the UK?
Monarda didyma 'Adam' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Monarda genus
- Monarda didymabergamot
- 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
- Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen')Snow Maiden Bee Balm