Overview
Monarda 'Scorpion' is a plant with a clump-forming habit in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda 'Scorpion' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Monarda 'Scorpion' is a clump-forming cultivar of the Monarda genus, a group of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south-, east-, or west-facing aspects. It prefers moist but well-drained loam soils with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, prairie plantings, wildlife gardens, and flower borders. Propagation is typically by division in early spring or basal softwood cuttings.
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Monarda 'Scorpion' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Scorpion'
- Propagation
- Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Scorpion'?
Monarda 'Scorpion' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Monarda 'Scorpion' need?
Monarda 'Scorpion' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Monarda 'Scorpion' hardy in the UK?
Monarda 'Scorpion' 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 'Scorpion'?
Division in early spring, Basal softwood cuttings.