Overview
Monarda media 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 media 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 media is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial of the genus Monarda, known for its erect stems and aromatic mid-green, lance-shaped or ovate leaves. It thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects. This cultivar produces terminal clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers from summer to early autumn, adding seasonal interest to mixed or herbaceous borders and prairie-style plantings. Hardy to UK zone H5, it can be propagated by division in early spring or basal softwood cuttings.
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 media 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 media
- 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 media?
Monarda media prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda media need?
Monarda media grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda media hardy in the UK?
Monarda media 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 media?
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)