Go Back Bee Balm Grand Marshall

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:55 PM
Monarda 'Grand Marshall'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden IconHummingbird Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    Grand Marshall Bee Balm produces a profusion of brilliant fuchsia-purple flowers atop mid-sized, upright plants from mid through late summer. They add a fun element to fresh flower bouquets. This cultivar exhibits very good mildew resistance. 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.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    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. In order to keep plants healthy and vigorous, they should be divided at least every three years in the spring. 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 consistently moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.

    Flower Color

    Fuschia-purple

    Foliage Color

    —

    Plant Spread

    16-20 in.

    Good Companions

    Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Coneflower (Echinacea ), Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), Grass-Ornamental (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)

    Plant Height

    13-16 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-8

    Soil Moisture

    Average and consistent water needs.

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Cut flower or foliage, Mass Plant, Border, Fragrant flowers or foliage

    Bloom Time

    Midsummer, Late summer

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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