Product Description
Monarda 'Red Velvet' PPAF CPBRAF - Proven Winners® UPSCALE™ Collection (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Bee Balm
Prepare for UPSCALE™ Bee Balm to raise your expectations with a robust, substantial landscape presence. Taller than most other new introductions on the market, the UPSCALE™ collection average 2-2½' tall and wide with flowering performance that covers the top half of the plant. This series is excellent for landscape plantings and filling space in the middle of the border. Well branched stems support a second flush of flowers that extends the length of bloom, a trait that will delight both gardeners and the bees who frequent this popular pollinator perennial. Members of this collection all exhibit good mildew resistance.
'Red Velvet' has large cherry red flowers. The tallest variety in the collection. Newly emerging foliage has a bronze cast.
Monarda is native to eastern North America, so it is easy to grow, and it multiplies quickly. The flowers' sweet nectar attracts scores of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden. The aromatic foliage smells like mint when crushed and is often used to flavor teas.
Monarda can be found naturally along riverbanks and enjoys this rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will grow in average soil as well. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Plants tend to spread more quickly in the shade, however.
Most monardas multiply rapidly either by underground stems or self-sowing. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal problem with monarda. Some varieties are more resistant to it than others. To prevent this fungus from appearing, large clumps should be thinned out so that the air circulates freely around them. The soil should also be kept consistently moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.
Height: 32.0 Inches
Spread: 36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting
(20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2.75 inches wide.