Product Description
Monarda 'Cherry Pops' PP27618 (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, 'Cherry Pops' forms a solid dome of cherry red, 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: 20.0 Inches
Spread: 26 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 - 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
Monarda 'Cherry Pops' is a vibrant and captivating perennial that will add a burst of cheerful color to your garden. This compact bee balm variety is part of the Sugar Buzz® series, known for its mildew resistance and well-branched habit. With its masses of cherry red flowers, aromatic foliage, and ability to attract pollinators, 'Cherry Pops' is a must-have for any sunny garden.
Imagine a profusion of bright, cherry red flowers with lighter centers, creating a dazzling spectacle in your garden. Monarda 'Cherry Pops' is a showstopper with its unique flower color and long blooming season. The 2-inch, shaggy blossoms appear in dense, globular heads from mid to late summer, attracting scores of butterflies and hummingbirds . The flowers rise on strong, well-branched stems adorned with aromatic, dark green leaves that release a delightful minty fragrance when crushed .
This compact, clump-forming perennial typically reaches 20 inches tall and 26 inches wide, making it a perfect fit for borders, containers, and even smaller gardens . 'Cherry Pops' exhibits excellent mildew resistance, ensuring healthy foliage throughout the growing season . It's also deer and rabbit resistant, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about unwanted visitors .
- Botanical Name Monarda didyma 'Cherry Pops'
- Common Name Bee Balm 'Cherry Pops'
- Hardiness Zones 4-8
- Mature Size 20-24 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide
- Bloom Time Mid-summer to late summer
- Sun Exposure Full sun to part shade
- Soil Conditions Normal, sandy, clay/heavy, dry
- Water Needs Average
Planting
To ensure your Monarda 'Cherry Pops' thrives, follow these simple planting instructions:
- Spacing: Space plants 26 inches apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation .
- Soil Preparation: Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage .
- Planting Depth: Plant the crown at the same level as it was in the pot.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment.
Care
Monarda 'Cherry Pops' is a low-maintenance plant, but a little care will help it flourish:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first 6 weeks after planting and during extended periods without rain .
- Fertilizing: Fertilize once a month .
- Deadheading: Remove spent flower stems to keep plants attractive and encourage new blooms .
- Dividing: Divide every 3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding .
Landscaping Ideas with Monarda 'Cherry Pops'
This versatile bee balm can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your garden:
- Borders: Its vibrant red flowers add a bold splash of color to perennial borders.
- Mass Plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting 'Cherry Pops' in drifts or masses.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh bouquets.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden with this pollinator-friendly plant.
Monarda 'Cherry Pops' is a stunning and reliable perennial that will bring vibrant color and life to your garden. Its cherry red flowers, compact habit, and mildew resistance make it a top choice for gardeners of all levels. Add this beauty to your garden today and enjoy the show!
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!
