Product Description
Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' PP26447 CPBR5566 (20)ct Flat
Leading Lady Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
Bee Balm typically bloom in midsummer, but 'Leading Lady Plum' leads the way in early summer, flowering earlier and forming a more compact clump than other Bee Balm (like 'Pardon My Purple'). This variety typically blooms from early summer (first week of June in Michigan) into midsummer and grows just a foot tall.
'Leading Lady Plum' has densely branched, dark green, somewhat glossy foliage and is topped with magenta purple blossoms coddled by deep blackish purple bracts. A fine mist of dark purple spots appears on the open petals. After the first flush of flowers is passing full bloom, a secondary flush blooms above the initial flowers, extending the color show into midsummer.
'Leading Lady Plum' is well-behaved in the garden, it stays where you plant it and doesn't run around. The blossoms have sweet nectar that is highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees and the aromatic foliage is naturally deer resistant.
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. 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: 10-14 Inches
Spread: 22-28 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Midsummer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Native to North America
Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' is a cultivar of bee balm, part of the Leading Lady series developed by Walters Gardens. This compact, clump-forming perennial offers a vibrant display of magenta-purple flowers, blooming earlier than other bee balm varieties. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or those looking to add a pop of color to containers. This lovely plant is also low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Characteristics Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' typically reaches a height of 10-14 inches with a spread of 22-28 inches at maturity. This U.S. native hybrid boasts dark green, fragrant foliage that releases a delightful minty aroma when touched. The eye-catching flowers, appearing in dense, globular terminal heads, are adorned with a fine mist of dark purple spots, adding to their visual appeal. Images of this captivating plant can be found online, showcasing its beauty and unique features. This cultivar is also known for its tidy growth habit and resistance to powdery mildew.
Growing Conditions
- Light Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, with four to six hours of direct sunlight.
- Soil While adaptable to various soil types, this bee balm flourishes in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. It prefers fertile soil and tolerates alkaline and neutral pH levels. Notably, it thrives in moist conditions and readily tolerates wet soils.
- Hardiness This plant is winter hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Care Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during dry periods, to prevent powdery mildew and promote healthy growth. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and maintains a neat appearance. To maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding, dividing the plant every three years is recommended.
Potential Uses Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden. Its compact size makes it ideal for borders, containers, and small gardens. The vibrant magenta-purple flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements. The fragrant foliage can be used to brew a refreshing herbal tea. As a pollinator-friendly plant, it attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
Monarda 'Leading Lady Plum' is a delightful addition to any garden. Its early bloom time, compact size, and vibrant magenta-purple flowers make it a standout performer. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in various conditions and is resistant to deer, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers, 'Leading Lady Plum' adds beauty and fragrance to any setting. Its ability to attract pollinators further enhances its value in the garden, contributing to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
Twenty (20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2.75 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
