Michigan State University Extension
Home Horticulture - 01700617
01/01/96
Monarda is a member of the mint family and like some
mints the plants can spread rapidly. Powdery mildew can
disfigure the plants if not controlled.
Monarda didyma--Beebalm, Bergamot, Horsemint
Monarda is a the mint and has aromatic foliage and
shaggy looking flowers. The lavender, purple, red or white
flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Monarda is useful
as a cut flower but can become a weed if not controlled.
Once the plants have bloomed they may be cut back for a
second blooming period. The plant grows in full sun to
partial shade and in any moist soil of average fertility.
In time, the centers of clumps become hollow or dead and
need to be divided.
Monarda citriodora
This plant is unusual in that the flowers will be
arranged in whorls in the axils near the tip of the stem.
Propagate monarda by seed or division. The seed
germinates in 15 to 20 days at 60 to 70 degrees. Divide in
the spring and save divisions from the edge of the clump.
Frequent divisions keep it under control. Fall divisions
may not survive.
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| Monarda didyma - 42K |
