Product Description
Monarda 'Blue Moon' PP29549 (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 entire series. 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 with enough vigor to quickly fill out containers nicely but are not aggressive in the garden. As with all Monardas from the Walters Gardens, Inc. hybridizing program, these display above average resistance to powdery mildew.
Lavender blue flowers are held by attractive purple bracts. A breakthrough, shorter height for this color.
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.
Imagine a firework display in your garden, not with explosive bursts of light and sound, but with delicate lavender-blue flowers that shimmer in the summer sun. That is the magic of Monarda 'Blue Moon', a compact and captivating perennial that is as enchanting as its name suggests. This variety of Bee Balm, a member of the mint family, not only adds a touch of elegance to any garden but also attracts a symphony of buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies with its vibrant blooms. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of Monarda 'Blue Moon', exploring its characteristics, growing conditions, care tips, potential uses, and where to find this gem for your own garden.
Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of 14 to 24 inches and spreads 16 to 32 inches wide. It is a member of the Sugar Buzz® Series, renowned for its vigor and disease resistance. This variety is a standout with its lavender-blue flowers, each about 2 inches in diameter, blooming in dense, globular clusters that resemble "little purple fireworks". These blossoms are further accentuated by decorative purple bracts, adding another layer of visual interest. The flowers grace the garden for weeks from mid to late summer, transforming it into a haven for butterflies and hummingbirds.
But the beauty of Monarda 'Blue Moon' extends beyond its flowers. Its aromatic, dark green leaves release a refreshing mint fragrance when touched. These leaves can be used to infuse teas with a delightful minty twist. The plant's strong, well-branched stems provide sturdy support for the blossoms, ensuring they stand tall and proud.
- Hardiness Zones: 4a-8b
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Lifespan: Approximately 5 years
- Plant Habit: Columnar, upright
- Blooming Season: Summer
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Yes
- Heat and Frost Tolerant: Yes
- Low Maintenance: Yes
With its compact size, Monarda 'Blue Moon' is an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container planting, allowing even those with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
Growing Conditions Monarda 'Blue Moon' thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a relatively easy plant to grow. Here is a closer look at its preferences:
- Sunlight For optimal growth and flowering, Monarda 'Blue Moon' prefers full sun, ideally receiving at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is particularly beneficial to ensure it receives morning sun, which helps dry the dew from the leaves and prevents fungal diseases. While it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, prolonged shade may result in fewer blooms and a greater tendency to spread.
- Soil Monarda 'Blue Moon' is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand. It thrives in moderately fertile, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it is important to ensure the soil does not dry out completely, especially during the summer months.
- Water Monarda 'Blue Moon' enjoys consistently moist soil, but overwatering should be avoided. During the growing season, water the plant every 7 to 10 days during dry periods, soaking the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Applying a layer of mulch around the plant helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and suppressing weed growth.
- Spacing When planting Monarda 'Blue Moon', space the plants 18 to 36 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding. This spacing also helps reduce the risk of powdery mildew, a common fungal disease that can affect Monarda plants.
Care Requirements Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but a little care goes a long way in ensuring its health and longevity. Here are some essential care tips:
- Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding, which can lead to unwanted spreading.
- Division: Every 3 years, divide the plant to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding. This also helps rejuvenate older plants and promotes healthier growth.
- Cutting Back: After the flowering season, cut the plant back to the ground. This encourages new growth in the following spring and helps prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged during the winter months.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize once a month with a balanced, natural, or organic plant food to provide essential nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.
- Propagation: Monarda 'Blue Moon' can be propagated by division. When dividing the plant, ensure each section has a healthy root system and shoots.
- Pruning: While regular pruning is not necessary, deadheading spent flowers encourages more abundant blooms.
Potential Uses Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a versatile plant with a variety of uses in the garden and beyond:
- Attracting Pollinators: The vibrant lavender-blue flowers are a magnet for beneficial pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, contributing to a thriving garden ecosystem.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of elegance to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Culinary Use: The aromatic leaves can be used to flavor teas and salads. Steep the leaves in hot water to create a refreshing Monarda tea or add them to salads for a unique minty flavor. However, it is important to note that there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles, so exercise caution and consult with a health professional if necessary.
- Medicinal Use: Traditionally, Monarda has been used for its antiseptic properties and to treat various ailments, though it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
- Ornamental Plant: With its compact size, attractive flowers, and deer-resistant nature , Monarda 'Blue Moon' is an ideal addition to borders, containers, and small gardens, adding a pop of color and visual interest.
- Rain Gardens: Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a good choice for rain gardens due to its tolerance for moist conditions.
Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a truly remarkable perennial that deserves a place in every garden. Its stunning lavender-blue flowers, fragrant foliage, and compact size make it a versatile and captivating addition. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Monarda 'Blue Moon' is an excellent choice that is sure to bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space.
So why not add a touch of "blue moon" magic to your garden? With its easy care, long blooming period, and ability to attract beneficial pollinators, Monarda 'Blue Moon' is a plant that keeps on giving. Imagine sipping a cup of freshly brewed Monarda tea while watching hummingbirds flit amongst the blossoms – a truly delightful experience!
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!
