Product Description
Monarda 'Leading Lady Pink' PP34205 CPBRAF (20)ct Flat
Leading Lady Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
Bee Balm typically bloom in midsummer, but 'Leading Lady Pink' leads the way in early summer, flowering earlier and forming a more compact clump than other Bee Balm. This variety typically blooms from early summer (first week of June in Michigan) into midsummer and grows just a foot tall. 'Leading Lady Pink' produces bright pink flowers with lighter interiors that clearly show off the spots on its petals.
'Leading Lady Pink' is well-behaved in the garden, it stays where you plant it and doesn't run around. The blossoms have sweet nectar that is highly attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees and the aromatic foliage is naturally deer resistant.
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: 10-14 Inches
Spread: 22-28 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average ro Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early to Mid Summer
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Small
Monarda 'Leading Lady Pink' is a charming and vibrant perennial that brings a burst of soft pink color and delightful fragrance to gardens. It is a popular choice for its early bloom time, compact habit, and ability to attract pollinators. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Leading Lady Pink' features showy clusters of bubblegum-pink flowers with lightly speckled petals. The unique, tubular-shaped flowers are arranged in a whorl atop the stems, creating a captivating display.
- Foliage: The plant has aromatic, dark 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 10-14 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 earlier than most Monarda varieties, typically starting in early summer and continuing into midsummer.
- Growth Habit: Forms a well-behaved clump that stays tidy and does not spread aggressively.
Why it is Popular:
- Early Blooms: 'Leading Lady Pink' is one of the earliest Monarda varieties to bloom, extending the bee balm season in your garden.
- Compact Habit: 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 pink flowers add a cheerful 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: 'Leading Lady Pink' 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 displayed 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.
Additional Information:
- 'Leading Lady Pink' is part of the Leading Lady™ series of Monarda, known for their early bloom times, compact habits, and well-behaved growth.
- 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 'Leading Lady Pink' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful, compact, and pollinator-friendly perennial with vibrant pink flowers and fragrant foliage. Its early bloom time, 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!
