Height:

14.0-18.0 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:

Midsummer Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower 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.

Growing Temperature:

Rooting out: 62-68° F
Growing: 65-72° F

Holding Temperature:

50° F outdoors

Soil PH:

5.8-6.4

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Monarda are moderate feeders and perform best using a constant liquid fertilization program at 75-100 ppm or higher rates of 150-200 ppm as needed.

Vernalization:

Cold beneficial, provide 9 weeks of cold for consistent flowering.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies.
Cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew, Rhizoctonia crown rot, and rust.
Spacing and good air circulation is helpful against some diseases such as powdery mildew.  Hand watering is also recommended so the foliage is less likely to get wet often.

Potting & Timing:

For best results plant monarda during the summer months, bulk up and sell the following spring. 

Moisture:

Performs best in moist, well-drained soil.  Don't allow the soil to dry out.

Planting Level:

Plant crowns at soil level or just below.

PGRs/Pinching:

Pinch 2 weeks after transplanting to promote branching.
If height control is necessary, spray applications using a tank mixture of daminozide (B-Nine, Dazide) at 2,000 ppm and uniconazole (Concise, Sumagic) at 3 ppm will provide adequate control.

Lighting:

Requires long days for flowering. Grow under high light levels.

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