Product Description
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' PP27498 (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, 'Grape Gumball' forms a solid dome of vibrant magenta, 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: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-24.0 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
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is a vibrant and captivating addition to any garden. This bee balm cultivar, part of the Sugar Buzz® series, was bred by Walters Gardens, Inc. and introduced in 2014. It is a semi-dwarf, clump-forming perennial that boasts stunning magenta purple flowers. The genus name Monarda honors Nicholas Monardes (1493-1588), a physician and botanist of Seville. The blossoms, which measure about 2 inches across, form dense, globular terminal heads that bloom for weeks from mid to late summer. They rest upon a whorl of decorative bracts. The flowers rise on strong, well-branched stems with aromatic, dark green leaves.
- Common Name Bee Balm
- Botanical Name Monarda didyma 'Grape Gumball'
- Plant Type Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones 4-8
- Height 20-24 inches
- Width 16-24 inches
- Flower Color Magenta purple
- Bloom Time Mid to late summer
- Sun Exposure Full sun to partial shade
- Water Needs Medium to wet
- Soil Type Moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained
- Soil pH 0-7.0
Special Features Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators; deer and rabbit resistant; tolerant of clay soil and juglone
Characteristics
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is a compact plant, growing in clumps of upright stems that reach heights of 20 to 24 inches and widths of 16 to 24 inches. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant with above-average resistance to powdery mildew, making it a particularly good choice for gardeners who struggle with this fungal disease. This cultivar is part of the Sugar Buzz Hybrid series, bred for compact form, mid-height, and mildew-resistant foliage, as well as a floriferous nature. The foliage has a delightful minty fragrance when crushed. It is tolerant of juglone, a substance produced by black walnut trees that can inhibit the growth of other plants.
Growing Requirements
This bee balm variety thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it is not too particular about soil types. The ideal soil pH for Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is 6.0-7.0. Good air circulation is essential to combat powdery mildew.
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It tolerates heat and cold but may require extra watering in dry climates. For optimal root establishment, it is best to plant in spring or fall. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for mature growth and air circulation. If the foliage becomes unsightly, it can be cut back hard for fresh clean growth. This plant has a long blooming period, and if kept deadheaded, it will continue to provide color in the garden. Monarda 'Grape Gumball' multiplies quickly, either by underground stems or self-sowing.
Native Habitat and Range
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is likely a cultivar of Monarda didyma, a species native to the eastern United States and Canada, as well as Washington and Oregon. It is naturally found in wet meadows, bottomlands, moist open woods, thickets, and other wet sites, most commonly in mountain areas. Monarda can be found naturally along riverbanks and thrives in rich, organic, moist soil. As a native plant, Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is well-suited to North American gardens and is beneficial for native pollinators.
Uses and Benefits Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is a versatile plant with various uses and benefits:
Ornamental Value Its vibrant magenta flowers and compact form make it a striking addition to informal borders, cottage gardens, and perennial borders. It can be used for massing, as an accent plant, or in containers. Its compact form makes it suitable for smaller gardens and containers.
Pollinator-Friendly The flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Culinary Uses The aromatic leaves release a minty fragrance when crushed and can be used to flavor teas. The flowers are also edible.
Medicinal Uses Traditionally, Monarda leaves have been used as a balm for bee stings and to treat various ailments.
Other Benefits
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: This plant is generally avoided by deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens prone to these pests.
- Rain Garden Suitable: Monarda 'Grape Gumball' thrives in moist soil, making it a good choice for rain gardens.
- Potpourri and Wreaths: With both fragrant foliage and colorful flowers, bee balm is ideal for making potpourri or herbal wreaths.
Monarda 'Grape Gumball' is a delightful and rewarding plant to grow in any garden. Its vibrant magenta flowers, fragrant foliage, and ability to attract pollinators make it a favorite among gardeners. With its compact size and resistance to powdery mildew, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various garden settings. This bee balm cultivar is a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden, offering ornamental value, pollinator benefits, and even culinary uses. Consider adding this stunning and beneficial plant to your garden today!
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!
