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Monarda ‘Kardinal’ (Bee Balm)

Bee Balm 'Kardinal', Bergamot 'Kardinal'

Monarda 'Kardinal',Bee balm 'Kardinal', Bergamot 'Kardinal', purple Monarda, purple bee balm, purple flowers
Monarda 'Kardinal',Bee balm 'Kardinal', Bergamot 'Kardinal', purple Monarda, purple bee balm, purple flowers

Tall, Monarda ‘Kardinal’ (Bee Balm) is a clump-forming perennial boasting masses of brilliant raspberry red flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. Blooming for weeks from mid-summer to early fall, they rest upon a whorl of decorative purple bracts and attract scores of butterflies and hummingbirds. Their vibrant color is set off to perfection by the bright, fresh green of the leaves, which are delightfully fragrant and can be enjoyed in salads or simply by passing by. This Monarda is significantly more resistant to powdery mildew than older varieties.

  • Grows in clumps of upright stems, up to 3-4 ft tall (90-120 cm) and 1 ft. wide (30 cm)
  • Performs best in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. It is not too fussy about soils, provided they are consistently kept moist. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow it to dry out in summer. Providing good air circulation to combat powdery mildew is important.
  • This showy perennial is a striking addition to informal borders or prairies and meadows. The boldness of its blooms makes it terrific for massing or as an accent plant. Great for containers, it makes excellent cut flowers too.
  • Monarda flowers attract streams of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, but this plant is deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Fast-growing, Monarda spreads vigorously and will need to be divided every 3 years.
  • Should be cut to the ground after flowering to promote the growth of new healthy shoots and leaves.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Common names Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Monarda media (Purple Bergamot)
Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ (Bee Balm)
Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm)
Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm)
Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ (Bee Balm)
Monarda bradburiana (Eastern Bee Balm)

Recommended Companion Plants

Monarda didyma x fistulosa ‘Oneida’ (Bee Balm)
Anthemis tinctoria ‘Sauce Hollandaise’ (Golden Marguerite)
Achillea filipendulina ‘Gold Plate’ (Fern-Leaf Yarrow)
Echinacea purpurea ‘Pink Double Delight’ (Coneflower)
Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’ (Garden Phlox)
Artemisia lactiflora (White Mugwort)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Hummingbird
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Common names Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit, Clay Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Guides with
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Not sure which Monarda (Bee Balm) to pick?
Compare Now

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