About
This clump-forming perennial to 90cm tall, bearing aromatic, lance-shaped, dark green leaves, sometimes purple tinged, and producing tiers of large, dark-red flowers and bracts on upright stems from midsummer to early autumn.
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 typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, 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.
PruningDeadheading regularly may prolong flowering; cut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or root basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Disease resistanceThis cultivar is said to show good resistance to powdery mildews that often affect Monardas