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.
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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Kardinal'
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to rabbits and deer
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
How do I propagate Monarda 'Kardinal'?
Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings.
More in the Monarda genus
- Monardabergamot
- Monarda 'Bergamo'
- Monarda 'Cherokee'
- Monarda 'Deep Purple'bergamot 'Deep Purple'
- Monarda 'Petite Wonder'
- Monarda bradburiana
- Monarda didyma 'Duddiscombe'
- Monarda didyma 'Lilac Lollipop' (Sugar Buzz Series)