How to Grow Monarda

Monarda are annual or herbaceous perennial plants with fragrant ovate leaves, often used for potpourri, and striking tubular flowers much like an Indian headdress, flowering throughout summer into early autumn. These are best suited to flower beds and borders within cottage, informal and wildlife garden settings. You should expect to see Monarda grow to an approximate height of 90cm (36”) and a spread of 45cm (18”).

Monarda are best planted in moist, well-drained soil of chalk, loam, clay and clay within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH setting. Amend the planting area with organic matter such as manure, compost or leaf mould and mix thoroughly with the native soil. Monarda are best positioned in an area of full sun, although will tolerate part shade. Ensure there is plenty of air circulation around Monarda plants as this will prevent outbreaks of powdery mildew.

Feed Monarda with an all-purpose liquid fertiliser as this will encourage optimum health and growth. After the flowering period in late autumn, prune your Monarda plants to within an inch of the ground as this will encourage significant regrowth in the following season. You will need to protect your plants from excessive winter wet as this will cause detriment to your plants. Do not leave them to dry out in the summer- you will need to ensure the soil is kept moist during this period.

It is possible to propagate Monarda by division or by root basal cuttings during spring.