Monarda

Basic Facts:

Common Names: Bergamot, Bee Balm.

Aromatic plants with whirls of flowers on stems reaching 45-75cm tall. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees and hoverflies, hence the other common name. The aroma of the leaves is reminiscent of oil of bergamot orange; the flavouring in Earl Grey tea.

Please note, our plants are not suitable for eating, infusing nor medicinal use.

Garden Use:

Monardas work well mixed with both cool and hot colours. The heads are large and showy making a great focal point in a border.

Their running habit makes them ideal for both prairie and naturalistic plantings.

There are lots of varieties out there and to be frank a lot are similar to each other. All our photos are taken here in our garden and as always we haven't fiddled with the colouring!

Wildlife Interest:

The flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees and hoverflies, hence the other common name. The aroma of the leaves is reminiscent of oil of bergamot orange; the flavouring in Earl Grey tea. This aroma is said to deter rabbits but I can't vouch for this.

Cut Flower Use:

They make good cut flowers lasting well in water.

Cultivation:

Most Monardas prefer moist soil in sun or light shade.

The plants need regular division and a refresh of the soil with compost and fertiliser in spring.

Propagation:

They spread by running stems on or just under the soil to form clumps up to 2ft 6in across in 2 years. Propagate by division in autumn or spring. Cut back hard after flowering to encourage more blooms.

Pests and Diseases:

 Some may be affected by mildew in dry conditions, but most will adapt to dry conditions and perform very well. We find freshly planted specimens are prone but once established they are less prone. We also sell the newer mildew resistant (slightly affected) and mildew free varieties. The latter seem to be free of mildew in the ground, although in pots as nursery stock it is well nigh impossible to keep them free in late summer. Squaw has never been affected by mildew in our garden.

History:

A member of the Lamiaceae family (Dead Nettles).

Monarda Cherokee

Mid pink flowers over a long period. 2ft / 60cm tall. Some resistance to mildew in good, rich soil.

Monarda Jacob Cline

A tall elegant variety (4-5ft / 120-150cm) with dark red flowers and darker black-red bracts. Flowers in late summer and usually mildew free.

Monarda Mohawk

Violet flowers. About 2ft 6in / 75cm tall Flowers July - September.

Monarda Raspberry Wine

Rapberry Wine in front of Phlox Othello

Lovely deep red flowers with dark wine-coloured bracts. About 2ft 6in / 75cm tall Flowers July - September.

Monarda Squaw

One of the best reds and always free from mildew in our garden. 3ft tall. Flowers July - September.

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Monarda Violet Queen

Although known as Bee Balm, the flowers attract butterflies as well like this Painted Lady

Soft violet flowers and soft hairy leaves which seem to indicate more tolerance of dry soils. 2ft / 60cm tall. Flowers July - September.

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

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