Monarda didyma Balmy Lilac ('Balbalmac'PBR) (Balmy Series)
bergamot [Balmy Lilac]
A compact, clump-forming perennial to 30cm tall, with lance-shaped, aromatic, dark green foliage. From mid-summer to early autumn each upright stem carries a whorl of two-lipped, tubular, light purple flowers with decorative, purple-flushed bracts
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow to dry out in summer. Lift and divide every three years
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring, before new growth begins, or by basal softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadheading regularly should encourage more flowers. Cut stems down to the ground in autumn, or leave seed heads for winter structure
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, especially in spring
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews in hot, dry weather, though this variety is said to show good resistance
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