Product Description
Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast' PP27497 (20)ct Flat
SUGAR BUZZ® Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
The members of the SUGAR BUZZ® Series from the Walters Gardens 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 hybridizing program, these display above average resistance to powdery mildew.
In midsummer, 'Bubblegum Blast' forms a solid dome of hot pink, 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. It displays above average resistance to powdery mildew.
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 consistantly moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew.
Height: 24 Inches
Spread: 32 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink 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
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting
Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant display of Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast'! This bee balm variety explodes with a profusion of bubblegum pink flowers, creating a dazzling spectacle in your garden from early summer to fall.
With its masses of fragrant, hot pink flowers, Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast' is a pollinator magnet that brings life and movement to any garden. Each captivating bloom, measuring about 2 inches across, is held in a dense, globular head that rests upon a whorl of decorative bracts, adding to the visual appeal. The strong, well-branched stems are adorned with aromatic, dark green leaves that release a refreshing mint fragrance when touched. This compact, mounding perennial typically reaches 24-30 inches tall and wide, making it a perfect fit for borders, containers, and even smaller gardens. Unlike some Monarda varieties that can be aggressive spreaders, 'Bubblegum Blast' maintains a tidy habit, making it a welcome addition to any garden. And as a bonus, it exhibits above-average resistance to powdery mildew, ensuring healthy foliage throughout the growing season.
- Botanical Name Monarda didyma 'Bubblegum Blast'
- Common Name Bee Balm 'Bubblegum Blast'
- Hardiness Zones 4-9
- Mature Size 24-30 inches tall and wide
- Bloom Time Early summer to fall
- Sun Exposure Full sun to part shade
- Soil Conditions Moist, well-drained soil
- Water Needs Moderate
- Tolerance Urban pollution
Planting
To ensure your Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast' flourishes, follow these planting guidelines:
- Spacing: Provide ample space for growth and air circulation by planting them 18-24 inches apart.
- Soil Preparation: Enhance drainage and fertility by amending the soil with compost or other organic matter.
- Planting Depth: Plant the crown at the same level as it was in the pot.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage strong root development.
- Winter Care: Ensure the planting location does not become excessively wet during the winter months to prevent root rot.
Care
While Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast' is relatively low-maintenance, proper care will maximize its blooming potential and keep it looking its best:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil. This helps prevent stress and encourages healthy growth.
- Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer applied in spring provides essential nutrients for robust growth and abundant blooms.
- Deadheading: Snipping off faded flowers not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also encourages more blooms. By removing the spent flowers, you redirect the plant's energy from seed production to flower development, resulting in a longer and more prolific blooming period.
- Dividing: Every 2-3 years, divide the clumps to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This helps ensure continued healthy growth and prevents the center of the clump from dying out.
- Regional Considerations: In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat and prolong the flowering season.
- Pests and Diseases: This variety is known for its resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue for Monarda. However, it is always a good idea to monitor for other pests such as Conclusion
Monarda 'Bubblegum Blast' is a true gem for any garden. Its vibrant bubblegum pink flowers, long blooming season, compact habit, and resistance to powdery mildew make it a standout perennial. This bee balm is not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable asset to the garden ecosystem, attracting a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Whether planted in a border, container, or small garden, 'Bubblegum Blast' is sure to delight with its beauty and fragrance. By following the simple planting and care instructions, you can enjoy this remarkable plant for years to come.
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!
