Monarda 'Berry Taffy' PP34715

SUGAR BUZZ® Series

Common Name: Bee Balm

The members of the SUGAR BUZZ® Series from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing program are perfectly suited to the middle of the flower border at 16-24" tall. All members in this series are similar in size, bloom time, and vigor, making it easy for growers to offer the whole lot. In midsummer, they form a solid dome of color with their 2-2½" flowers on strong, well-branched stems. The dark green foliage forms an upright clump that will fill out containers nicely but won't run all over the garden. As with all Monardas from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing program, these display above average resistance to powdery mildew.

Like the other members of the series, 'Berry Taffy' has a medium-sized habit and excellent branching. Hot raspberry pink flowers that explode with color over deep green, attractive foliage.

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.

*The SUGAR BUZZ® Series trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.

Height:

14.0-16.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Native to North America

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.

Characteristics