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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Monarda didyma 'Grape Gumball'^PBR (Sugar Buzz Series)

bergamot 'Grape Gumball'

A vigorous, clump-forming perennial with aromatic dark green leaves and strong upright stems producing globe-shaped clusters of magenta purple flowers throughout the summer. The leaves have a minty fragrance when crushed and can be used to make tea. Good resistance to powdery mildews

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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)

Botanical 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: Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Protect from excessive winter wet and do not allow soil to dry out in summer

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Prairie planting
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required, though deadheading may prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, especially in the spring

Diseases

Monardas may be affected by powdery mildews, especially in hot, dry summers; This variety is said to be more mildew-resistant

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