Product description
Part of the compact 'Balmy' series, this Bee Balm produces distinctive, shaggy, lilac-purple flower heads that sit neatly above highly aromatic, mint-scented foliage. It is specifically bred to be exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew, a common problem that often plagues older, taller varieties of Monarda.
It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and retains moisture well. To maintain its compact shape and promote vigorous flowering, deadhead the faded lilac blooms and divide the clump every three years to prevent the centre from dying out.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Bee Balm
Monarda 'Balmy Lilac'
Monarda 'Balmy Lilac'
Product description
Part of the compact 'Balmy' series, this Bee Balm produces distinctive, shaggy, lilac-purple flower heads that sit neatly above highly aromatic, mint-scented foliage. It is specifically bred to be exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew, a common problem that often plagues older, taller varieties of Monarda.
It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and retains moisture well. To maintain its compact shape and promote vigorous flowering, deadhead the faded lilac blooms and divide the clump every three years to prevent the centre from dying out.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Monarda are notorious for catching powdery mildew; to combat this, divide the spreading clumps every two years to maintain open airflow, and aggressively throw away the old, woody centers.
How to Water
Monarda thrives with consistently moist soil. Water deeply at the base 1–2 times weekly to support its shallow roots. Avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew, as these plants are highly susceptible to foliage disease.
How to Plant
Space these running perennials generously in a sunny spot, giving them at least 18 to 24 inches of room to expand their shallow, spreading roots. It is critical not to crowd Monarda plants against fences or walls, as they desperately need open breezes flowing through their stems.
