Product Description
Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' PP28752 (20)ct Flat
SUGAR BUZZ® Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
The members of the SUGAR BUZZ® Series from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing program are perfectly suited to the middle of the flower border at 16-24” tall. All members in this series are similar in size, bloom time, and vigor, making it easy for growers to offer the whole lot. In midsummer, they form a solid dome of color with their 2-2½” flowers on strong, well-branched stems. The dark green foliage forms an upright clump that will fill out containers nicely but won’t run all over the garden. As with all Monardas from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing program, these display above average resistance to powdery mildew.
Deep raspberry purple flowers with very dark green leaves.
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: 20.0 Inches
Spread: 20.0 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: Midsummer - Late Summer
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 'Rockin' Raspberry' is a vibrant and fragrant perennial that adds a burst of color to any garden. Also known as Bee Balm 'Rockin' Raspberry', Bergamot 'Rockin' Raspberry', or Oswego Tea, this captivating plant is part of the Sugar Buzz® series, specifically bred for its compact size, mildew resistance, and long-lasting blooms. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about this beautiful plant, from its characteristics and growing requirements to its potential uses in your garden.
Characteristics Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' is a clump-forming perennial boasting showy raspberry-purple flowers that bloom for weeks in mid to late summer. The individual flowers are tubular and two-lipped, forming dense, globular clusters about 2 inches across. These eye-catching blooms arise from strong, well-branched stems adorned with aromatic, dark green leaves. The foliage releases a refreshing minty fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding another dimension to this plant's sensory appeal.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of 'Rockin' Raspberry' is its strong resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem that often plagues Monarda plants. This resilience makes it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting beauty without the constant worry of fungal diseases.
This variety typically reaches a height and width of about 20 inches, making it a perfect fit for smaller gardens or containers where space might be limited. Its compact size also makes it ideal for the middle of a flower border, where it can add structure and vibrant color without overwhelming its neighbors.
Growing Requirements Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' thrives in full sun, where it produces the most abundant blooms, but it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. While it prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained, this adaptable plant can handle a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, sand, and even rocky soil. Consistent moisture is key to its success, so be sure to water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Hardiness Zones This tough perennial is hardy in USDA zones 3b-8, meaning it can withstand a wide range of temperatures, including those that dip as low as -35°F (-37°C).
| Hardiness Zone | Minimum Temperature |
| 3b | -35°F (-37°C) |
| 4-8 | -30°F (-34°C) |
Ideal Planting Location Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into various garden settings. Its compact size and upright growth habit make it particularly well-suited for the middle of a flower border, where it can provide structure and a vibrant pop of color. It also thrives in rock gardens, on slopes, and mixed with blooming shrubs, adding a touch of wild beauty to these landscapes.
Care Instructions Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but a little care can go a long way in ensuring its health and longevity:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to maintain consistently moist soil.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and extend the flowering season.
- Pruning: Cut the plant back to the ground after flowering to promote vigorous new growth in the following season.
- Dividing: Divide the plant every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Potential Uses Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' offers a variety of potential uses in the garden:
- Wildlife Garden: The vibrant blooms act like a magnet for colorful butterflies and hummingbirds, while also providing a valuable source of nectar for bees and other beneficial pollinators.
- Culinary Use: The aromatic leaves can be used to brew a refreshing and flavorful tea.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers make excellent additions to fresh or dried flower arrangements, bringing their vibrant color and unique shape indoors.
Monarda 'Rockin' Raspberry' is a standout perennial that brings both beauty and functionality to the garden. Its compact size, mildew resistance, and vibrant raspberry-purple flowers make it a versatile choice for a variety of garden settings. Whether you are looking to attract pollinators, create a fragrant tea garden, or simply add a splash of color to your landscape, 'Rockin' Raspberry' is sure to delight. By following the simple care instructions outlined in this article, you can enjoy the many benefits of this remarkable plant for years to come.
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!
