Product Description
Monarda 'Lavender Taffeta' PP35192 CPBRAF (20)ct Flat
UPSCALE™ Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
Prepare for UPSCALE™ Bee Balm to raise your expectations with a robust, substantial landscape presence. Taller than most other new introductions on the market, the UPSCALE™ collection average 2-2½' tall and wide with flowering performance that covers the top half of the plant. This series is excellent for landscape plantings and filling space in the middle of the border. Well branched stems support a second flush of flowers that extends the length of bloom, a trait that will delight both gardeners and the bees who frequent this popular pollinator perennial. Members of this collection all exhibit good mildew resistance.
'Lavender Taffeta' has dark lavender purple flowers cover shiny, dark green foliage.
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: 22.0-26.0 Inches
Spread: 28.0-30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting
Monarda 'Lavender Taffeta' is a beautiful and fragrant bee balm that will add a touch of lavender-purple to your garden. Here is a breakdown of its features and care:
Description and Details
- Appearance: 'Lavender Taffeta' boasts shaggy, globular, dark lavender-purple flower heads that are borne on tall, willowy stems. The flowers have a lighter picotee edge, giving them a bi-colored effect. The glossy, dark green foliage is also attractive and emits a minty scent when crushed.
- Size: It typically grows to about 22-26 inches tall and 28-30 inches wide.
- Flowers: The flowers bloom profusely from mid-summer onwards, attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in zones 4-8.
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial sun (at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily).
- Soil: Thrives in moist to average, well-drained soil.
Native Habitat
- Monardas, including 'Lavender Taffeta', are native to North America.
Landscaping Design Tips
- Borders and Edging: Its tall, upright growth habit makes it ideal for the back of borders or as a focal point in the garden.
- Cottage Gardens: A perfect addition to cottage-style gardens, adding a touch of vibrant color and attracting pollinators.
- Pollinator Gardens: A must-have for any pollinator garden, providing a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long stems and long-lasting flowers make it excellent for cutting gardens.
- Mixed Beds: It mixes well with other sun-loving perennials in mixed beds and borders.
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a sunny or partially sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Space plants about 24-28 inches apart.
- Care:
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
- Fertilize lightly in spring.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Additional Information
- 'Lavender Taffeta' is a vigorous and reliable bloomer, providing a long-lasting display of beautiful flowers.
- It is deer-resistant.
- The fragrant foliage can be used in teas or potpourri.
- It is part of the Upscale™ series from Proven Winners, known for its taller and more robust growth habit.
Important Note: When planting Monarda, ensure your soil is well-drained, as they do not tolerate soggy conditions. Good air circulation is also important to prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with bee balm.
Deadheading is key to promoting continuous blooming and preventing the plant from going to seed too early.
(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!
