Product Description
Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Lavender II' PP34131 CPBRAF (20)ct Flat
Pardon My Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
An improvement on the original, 'Pardon My Lavender II' replaces 'Pardon My Lavender' in the catalog. Compared to the original, this has more vigor, is more polished, and has better disease resistance.
No room for the tall, bushy, traditional Bee Balm in your garden? Now there's a compact selection that's easy to tuck into the front of your sunny border and combination containers. Reaching just a foot tall at maturity, this compact selection forms a well-branched clump of deep green, glossy foliage.
In midsummer, lavender purple flowers sit just at the top of the foliage. Though the plant may be smaller, the flowers are the same size as taller selections, measuring a full 2½-3" across. They add a cool splash of color to the border in high summer. This new selection also offers good resistance to powdery mildew, a problem with many older Bee Balms. Just provide good air circulation, sunshine, and plenty of water and these plants will thrive!
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.
Height: 14-18 Inches
Spread: 22-28 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid to Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting
Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Lavender II' is a lovely and improved variety of bee balm that brings vibrant color and a delightful fragrance to gardens. It is a popular choice for its compact size, improved disease resistance, and ability to attract pollinators. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Pardon My Lavender II' features abundant, lavender-purple flowers that bloom in dense clusters atop the foliage. The tubular-shaped flowers are a magnet for pollinators and add a beautiful splash of color to the garden.
- Foliage: The plant has aromatic, deep green foliage that forms a neat and compact mound. The leaves release a pleasant, minty fragrance when brushed or crushed, adding another sensory dimension to the garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it prefers full sun for optimal flowering, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils. Amending heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter improves drainage and overall plant performance.
- Water: Prefers consistent moisture, especially during the establishment period. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance.
Characteristics:
- Mature Size: Reaches a height of 14-18 inches with a spread of 22-28 inches, forming a compact and mounded clump.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8, making it a versatile choice for various climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms in mid to late summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Growth Habit: Forms a well-behaved clump that stays tidy and does not spread aggressively.
Why it is Popular:
- Improved Version: 'Pardon My Lavender II' is an improvement over the original 'Pardon My Lavender', offering more vigor, a tidier habit, and better disease resistance.
- Compact Size: Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens or containers, as well as for mass plantings to create a stunning border.
- Attractive Flowers: The vibrant lavender-purple flowers add a beautiful touch to the garden and attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Fragrant Foliage: The aromatic foliage adds another sensory dimension to the garden and deters deer.
- Low Maintenance: 'Pardon My Lavender II' is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds a pop of color and fragrance to garden borders.
- Cottage Gardens: Its informal and colorful blooms blend seamlessly into cottage garden settings.
- Containers: Suitable for container gardening, where its compact habit can be showcased on patios or balconies.
- Cut Flowers: The long-lasting flowers can be used in fresh arrangements.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts a variety of pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
- Rain Gardens: Its tolerance for moist soils makes it a good choice for rain gardens.
Additional Information:
- 'Pardon My Lavender II' is part of the Pardon My™ series of Monarda, known for their compact size, disease resistance, and fragrant foliage.
- Deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Dividing clumps every few years helps maintain plant vigor and prevents overcrowding.
Overall, Monarda didyma 'Pardon My Lavender II' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, compact, and pollinator-friendly perennial with vibrant lavender-purple flowers and fragrant foliage. Its improved disease resistance, adaptability, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any garden, bringing joy and beauty throughout the summer months.
(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!
