Monarda 'Kardinal' (bergamot 'Kardinal') — Clump-forming, Erect stems

Overview

Monarda 'Kardinal' is a clump-forming, erect stems herbaceous perennial in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves foliage. Monarda 'Kardinal' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include mixed borders, herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings.

About

Monarda 'Kardinal' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Monarda genus, known for its erect stems and aromatic, mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves. This bergamot cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring moist but well-drained loam soils with a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for mixed and herbaceous borders as well as prairie-style plantings. Flowering from spring through summer, it produces the characteristic terminal clusters of tubular flowers typical of Monarda species.

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Monarda

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Monarda 'Kardinal' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, Erect stems
Foliage: Aromatic, Mid-green, Lance-shaped or ovate leaves
Suggested uses: Mixed borders, Herbaceous borders, Prairie-style plantings
Fragrance: Aromatic leaves with a minty, slightly spicy scent.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Kardinal'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; may require staking in windy locations.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant vigor.
Propagation: Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings
Pest resistance: Resistant to rabbits and deer
Disease resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Monarda 'Kardinal'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; may require staking in windy locations.

Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Kardinal'?

Monarda 'Kardinal' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Monarda 'Kardinal' need?

Monarda 'Kardinal' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Monarda 'Kardinal'?

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain plant vigor.

Is Monarda 'Kardinal' hardy in the UK?

Monarda 'Kardinal' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.