
Monarda Bergamot
Also known as Bee Balm or Bergamot, Monarda is a beautiful plant that
will produce flowers in shades of red, purple, pink and many others in
between throughout Summer. Monarda is also extra special as on warm
evenings it exudes a wonderfully intoxicating scent, making this plant a
garden must have.
How to grow
Monardas
are becoming more popular as staple garden plants and once established
they are tolerant of various conditions and will flower the whole summer
long in to Autumn. When you receive your plants you
should move them in to their final positions as soon as possible. If
you cannot plant immediately, ensure your plants are watered and keep
them moist and in a cool and bright space until planting is possible.
Position
A
position in Sun is ideal for Monardas and they will thrive in the
middle to back of the border. Flowers are produced on sturdy stems and
are unlikely to require staking, although you may wish to support plants
with plant supports.
Soil
Monardas
grow best in soils that are moist and humus rich. Ideally soil should
be deeply dug and enriched with plenty of organic matter, well-rotted
garden compost, manure or multi-purpose compost will
be fine. This will help to make soil rich and fertile whilst retaining
adequate moisture. Unlike most plants Monardas do not take kindly to
having a layer of mulch applied in Spring.
Care
Monardas
are relatively care free as long as you ensure their site and soil
conditions are correct. Water your new plants well after planting to
ensure they establish well and maintain a regular watering regime thereafter. Irrigation systems
and other watering solutions are available to
help with this process. An application of pelleted chicken manure in
spring will help to promote strong plant growth and general fertilizer
or liquid seaweed fertilizer
can be applied throughout the growing season.
Top tip
Resist
cutting faded flower stems back in Autumn as the leftover flower stems
add interest in the garden and a home for insects in Winter, making
Monardas excellent plants for the wildlife garden.