Plant Finder

Other Names:  Bergamot, Oswego Tea

Brand:  Proven Winners

Description:

A petite form of bee balm that produces multitudes of dark cherry pink flowers in mid summer; fragrant flowers and foliage; this very compact form is mildew resistant as well; great for massing in the front of borders

Ornamental Features

Monarda, Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm has masses of beautiful clusters of fragrant cherry red flowers with pink overtones at the ends of the stems from mid summer to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its fragrant pointy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Monarda, Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Disease
• Self-Seeding

Monarda, Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Monarda, Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm will grow to be about 10 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 8 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. To help this plant achive its best flowering performance, periodically apply a flower-boosting fertilizer from early spring through into the active growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Special Attributes

Bee Balm grows best with sun and good air flow to avoid powdery mildew.