Monarda 'Marshall's Delight'

Common Name: Bee Balm, Bergamot

True medium pink flowers top the stout, square stems of this monarda from midsummer to early fall. It has demonstrated a high resistance to mildew. 'Marshall's Delight' was selected from the Chicago Botanic Garden's Plant Evaluation Program as an outstanding perennial for Midwest gardens.

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.

Height:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Spread:

1.0-2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting

Origin:

Native to North America

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 consistantly moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.

Awards

Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 2001

Characteristics