Monarda 'Violet Queen' (Bee Balm 'Violet Queen') — Clump forming

Overview

Monarda 'Violet Queen' is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Monarda, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Monarda 'Violet Queen' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soil soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, pollinator gardens and cut flowers.

About

Monarda 'Violet Queen' (Bee Balm 'Violet Queen') is a perennial herb cultivar in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North America. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring well-drained, fertile soil that is moist but not waterlogged, with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and suits south-facing, sheltered to exposed sites. 'Violet Queen' is aromatic with a minty fragrance and is suitable for borders, pollinator gardens, and as cut flowers. Regular deadheading and cutting back after flowering encourage bushiness and prolonged blooming.

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: Well-drained, fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
Soil moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered to exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Monarda 'Violet Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herb
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Borders, pollinator gardens, cut flowers
Fragrance: Aromatic, minty

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Monarda 'Violet Queen'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to encourage bushiness
Propagation: Division, seed, cuttings
Pest resistance: Slugs
Disease resistance: Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Monarda 'Violet Queen'?

Prefers moist, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.

Where is the best place to plant Monarda 'Violet Queen'?

Monarda 'Violet Queen' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.

What soil does Monarda 'Violet Queen' need?

Monarda 'Violet Queen' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to but well-drained.

How do I prune Monarda 'Violet Queen'?

Cut back after flowering to encourage bushiness.

Is Monarda 'Violet Queen' hardy in the UK?

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