Overview

Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen') is a perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Q53476 family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen') grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental and pollinator garden. It is native to North America.

About

Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen') is a perennial bee balm that reaches about 1.5 m and emits a mildly aromatic, minty scent. It prefers full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they remain well-drained or at least moist but well-drained. Flowering runs from June to September. Spread is roughly 1 m, making it straight-forward to space in mixed borders or pollinator plots.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Monarda fistulosa

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 fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen') is a North American perennial in the mint family that forms upright clumps to around 1.5 m, with a typical spread of about 1 m. It carries a mild, minty fragrance and is listed for ornamental and pollinator uses. Flowering occurs from June to September, providing a sustained display through summer into early autumn. Plant it in a sunny position; the cultivar requires full sun and performs on sandy, loamy or clay soils provided drainage is adequate or the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. It is fully hardy in UK gardens (H7) and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 4–10, so it will tolerate cold winters in most British locations. Allow approximately 1 m between plants to accommodate the spread and encourage air movement around the crowns. Where space allows, use Snow Maiden Bee Balm in herbaceous borders, pollinator areas or informal meadow edges where its height can be shown to advantage without shading lower neighbours. The long June–September flowering season supplies nectar for pollinating insects across the summer months.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Monarda

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen') size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

1.5 m

Spread

1 m

Suggested uses

Ornamental, Pollinator garden

Native to

North America

Fragrance

Mildly aromatic, minty

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Monarda fistulosa 'Snow Maiden' ('Schneewittchen')

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil; deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth

Propagation

Division, Seed

Frequently asked questions

More in the Monarda genus

• 
  Monardabergamot
• 
  Monarda 'Bergamo'
• 
  Monarda 'Cherokee'
• 
  Monarda 'Deep Purple'bergamot 'Deep Purple'
• 
  Monarda 'Petite Wonder'
• 
  Monarda bradburiana
• 
  Monarda didymabergamot
• 
  Monarda didyma 'Adam'Crimson Beebalm