Go Back Bee Balm Petite Delight

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:54 PM
Monarda 'Petite Delight'
    Butterfly IconDeer Resistant IconRock Garden IconHummingbird Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    This was the first dwarf Monarda with mildew resistant foliage to be introduced to the trade. Lavender-rose flowers top the stout, square stems of this Monarda from midsummer to early fall. They are enhanced by the lush dark green, crinkled foliage which forms a compact mound. 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

    Lavendar rose

    Foliage Color

    Dark green

    Plant Spread

    12-15 in.

    Good Companions

    Coneflower-Purple (Echinacea purpurea), Daylily (Hemerocallis ), False Sunflower (Heliopsis ), Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), Geranium-Hardy (Geranium ), Goat's Beard-Dwarf (Aruncus aethusifolius), Primrose-Evening (Oenothera berlandieri), Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum), Speedwell-Creeping (Veronica prostrata), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

    Plant Height

    12-15 in.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    5-9

    Soil Moisture

    Average and consistent water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Small/Miniature, Fragrant flowers or foliage, Border, Mass plant, Cut flower or foliage

    Bloom Time

    Mid summer through early fall

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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