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Monarda ‘Leading Lady Orchid’ (Bee Balm)

Bee Balm 'Leading Lady Orchid', Bergamot 'Leading Lady Orchid', Leading Lady Series

Monarda 'Leading Lady Orchid',Bee Balm 'Leading Lady Orchid', Bergamot 'Leading Lady Orchid', Pink Monarda, Pink Bee Balm, Pink Flowers

Compact and early flowering, Monarda ‘Leading Lady Orchid’ (Bee Balm) is a clump-forming, densely branched perennial which produces orchid pink flowers, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. A fine mist of fuchsia 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.

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 Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Common names Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
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, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’ (Culver’s Root)
Phlox paniculata ‘Blue Paradise’ (Garden Phlox)
Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Helenium ‘Waltraut’ (Sneezeweed)
Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’ (Bettony)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

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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 - 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 Lamiaceae
Genus Monarda
Common names Bee Balm
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" (80cm)
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, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, 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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