Overview
Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' is a perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' 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 'Prairie Glow' is a perennial native to Ontario that carries the species' hallmark red, tubular flower heads and season-long summer bloom from June to September. Its foliage is deciduous and sits on square stems typical of the genus, making it identifiable in herbaceous borders and wildlife plantings. Plant it in a sunny position; full sun brings the best flowering. It tolerates a wide range of soil types — sandy, loamy or clay — provided the soil remains moist but well drained. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7) and will withstand the coldest garden winters; it also corresponds to USDA zones 4–10. Give it open air and avoid waterlogged ground to reduce the risk of crown rot. Use Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' where you need reliable summer red: along pond margins that do not dry out, at the back of a mixed herbaceous border, or in pollinator-focused areas. The long June–September display makes it useful for bridging high summer gaps and for attracting bees and other flower visitors to the garden.
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 'Prairie Glow' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Native to
- Ontario
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow'?
Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' prefers full sun.
What soil does Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' need?
Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' 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 'Prairie Glow' hardy in the UK?
Monarda didyma 'Prairie Glow' 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 'Adam'Crimson Beebalm
- Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'Cambridge Scarlet Bee Balm
- Monarda didyma 'Croftway Pink'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