About

A compact, clump-forming, dwarf perennial to 30cm tall, bearing aromatic, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, and producing tiers of reddish-purple flowers with decorative bracts on short, upright stems from midsummer to early autumn.

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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage 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.
PruningDeadheading regularly may prolong flowering; cut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root basal softwood cuttings in spring for home use
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Disease resistanceThis cultivar is said to show very good resistance to powdery mildews that often affect Monardas