About
This garden-worthy perennial to 90cm tall, with lance-shaped, aromatic, dark green foliage. From mid-summer to early autumn each upright stem carries a whorl of two-lipped, tubular, pale purple flowers with decorative, purple bracts.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in 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 should encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, especially in hot, dry weather