Bee Balm typically bloom in midsummer, but 'Leading Lady Plum' leads the way in early summer, flowering earlier and forming a more compact clump than other Bee Balm (like 'Pardon My Purple'). This variety typically blooms from early summer (first week of June in Michigan) into midsummer and grows just a foot tall.
'Leading Lady Plum' has densely branched, dark green, somewhat glossy foliage and is topped with magenta purple blossoms coddled by deep blackish purple bracts. A fine mist of dark purple spots appears on the open petals. After the first flush of flowers is passing full bloom, a secondary flush blooms above the initial flowers, extending the color show into midsummer.
'Leading Lady Plum' is well-behaved in the garden, it stays where you plant it and doesn't run around. The blossoms have sweet nectar that is highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees and the aromatic foliage is naturally deer resistant.
Height:
10.0-14.0 Inches
Spread:
22.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green 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:
Early Summer Midsummer
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Small
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.
Height:
10.0-14.0 Inches
Spread:
22.0-28.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones:
4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color:
Purple shades
Foliage Color:
Green 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:
Early Summer Midsummer
Attracts Wings:
Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Small
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.
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