Monarda 'Leading Lady Lilac' (Bee Balm)
Bee Balm 'Leading Lady Lilac', Bergamot 'Leading Lady Lilac', Leading Lady Series
Compact and early flowering, Monarda 'Leading Lady Lilac' (Bee Balm) is a clump-forming, densely branched perennial which produces pale lilac-purple flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. A fine mist of dark purple spots appears on the open petals. Blooming for weeks from early to mid-summer, they rest upon a whorl of decorative bracts and attract scores of butterflies and hummingbirds. They are borne atop upright stems clad with aromatic, dark green leaves. This dwarf variety is perfect for the front of borders, containers, and small gardens.
- Grows in clumps of upright stems, up to 10-14 in. tall (25-35 cm) and 22-28 in. wide (55-70 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. The boldness of its blooms makes it terrific for massing or as an accent plant. Great for containers and small gardens, 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
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 | Monarda - Bee Balms |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" (75cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Walters Gardens Inc
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
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 | Monarda - Bee Balms |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 10" – 2' (25cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 30" (75cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |