Monarda 'Blue Stocking'

Masses of shaggy, magenta pink flowers hover over the upright foliage. Quick to establish with a long blooming period they are well worth a grow. The blooms have tones of violet and blue in different lights.

Even after the petals have fallen, the seed heads can remain a feature into winter. The upright structure of Monarda plants is handsome in combination with ornamental grasses, or for use in a cottage bed.

The leaves are deep green and have a delicious mint fragrance and are used in teas and for some medicinal purposes (for its antiseptic properties).

These cultivars have good mildew resistance but care should be taken to ensure good air flow for the plants. For best results, grow Monarda in moist, humus rich soils in a sunny position. Keep it moist in active growth and dead head flowers regularly to extend the bloom season. Mulch in summer to help with water retention.

Monarda are good plants for the back of borders. They are commonly known as Bergamot and Beebalm (parts of the plants were used to soothe bee stings) and are members of the Mint family. Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ is also known as Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’.