Overview
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family. Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and pollinator gardens.
About
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' is a cultivar in the genus Monarda that produces purple, tubular flowers held in clustered heads. It flowers from June to September. Plants have erect, herbaceous stems with opposite, serrated leaves on square stems. The flower heads are suitable for cutting and for close viewing in summer borders.
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
A member of the genus Monarda, Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' shows the characteristic tubular, bilabiate flowers arranged in crowded, head-like clusters. The genus is native to North America, and this cultivar carries the familiar bee balm form with purple blooms that come into their own across the summer months. Plant in a position where the summer display can be seen from paths or seating areas; the clustered flowers are held at stem tips and make a clear seasonal statement from June to September. Sow or plant in reasonably fertile soil and allow enough room for the upright stems to stand clear of neighbouring plants so the flower heads remain visible. Cut back flowering stems after bloom to keep plants tidy and to reduce flopping the following season. Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' suits mixed herbaceous borders and informal perennial plantings where its summer flowering can be layered with later and earlier perennials. Because the flowers are borne in conspicuous terminal heads, they work well where single-plant impact is needed rather than only as a background filler. Deadhead spent heads to prolong flowering through the June–September period and reveal cleaner growth for the autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Monarda
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, pollinator gardens
- Fragrance
- aromatic, minty
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple'
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil with regular watering; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Propagation
- division, softwood cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple'?
Grow in well-drained soil with regular watering; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple'?
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' need?
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple'?
Cut back after flowering to encourage bushier growth.
Is Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Monarda 'Hessenhof Purple'?
Division, softwood cuttings.