Monarda 'Earl Grey'

RHS Plant Profile
bergamot 'Earl Grey'

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Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming perennial, to around 90cm high, with aromatic, pointed light green leaves. Rounded flowerheads of tubular red flowers are produced from mid to late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Monarda can be annuals or clump-forming herbaceous perennials with aromatic, ovate leaves and terminal whorls of 2-lipped, tubular flowers from summer to early autumn
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer. Lift and divide every three years, to maintain airflow and vigour

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and to leaf and bud eelworms

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and rust diseases