About

Dense whorls of scarlet red flowers are borne from summer to autumn. A compact, clump-forming perennial reaching 60cm tall. The aromatic, lance-shaped to oval, toothed leaves are mid-green.

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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
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
PruningDeadhead regularly
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root basal cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews; this cultivar shows some resistance