Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') (bee balm 'Achall') — Clump-forming, Erect stems

Overview

Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') 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 didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') 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 didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall'), commonly known as bee balm 'Achall', is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with erect stems. It features aromatic, mid-green, ovate leaves and produces terminal clusters of tubular flowers from summer to early autumn. This cultivar thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil, tolerating a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for full sun or partial shade and various garden aspects, it is hardy in the UK (H5) and ideal for mixed or herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings.

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: 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 didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') 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 didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall')

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 didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall')?

Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') need?

Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') hardy in the UK?

Monarda didyma Grand Marshall ('Achall') has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.