Monarda 'Petite Delight' PP10784 |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Bee Balm
Common Name (Alternative): Bergamot |
From the breeding program at the Morden Research Station. This was the first dwarf monarda with mildew resistant foliage to be introduced to the trade. Lavender-rose flowers top the stout, square stems of this monarda from midsummer to early fall. They are enhanced by the lush dark green, crinkled foliage which forms a compact mound.
'Petite Delight' PP10784 was selected from the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Evaluation Program as an outstanding perennial for Midwest gardens.
Monarda is native to eastern North America, so it is easy to grow and it multiplies quickly. The flowers' sweet nectar attracts scores of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden. The aromatic foliage smells like mint when crushed and is often used to flavor teas.
Origin: Native Cultivar
Characteristics:
Height:
12-15 Inches
Spread:
12-15 Inches
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
Late summer
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Cottage
Rain Garden
Eclectic
Monarda can be found naturally along riverbanks and enjoys this rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will grow in average soil as well. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Plants tend to spread more quickly in the shade, however.
Most monardas multiply rapidly either by underground stems or self-sowing. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal problem with monarda. Some varieties are more resistant to it than others. To prevent this fungus from appearing, large clumps should be thinned out so that the air circulates freely around them. The soil should also be kept consistantly moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.