Product Description
Monarda 'Pink Frosting' PP29548 (20)ct Flat
SUGAR BUZZ® Series
Common Name: Bee Balm
The members of the SUGAR BUZZ® Series from the Walters Gardens, Inc. 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, Inc. hybridizing program, these display above average resistance to powdery mildew.
Pastel pink flowers form a carpet of blossoms that completely cover the 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.
Monarda 'Pink Frosting' is a compact and captivating perennial that will enhance any garden with its vibrant blooms and alluring fragrance. This bee balm variety, part of the Sugar Buzz series, is a magnet for pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, while its sturdy stems and mildew resistance make it a gardener's dream. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics, care, and cultivation of Monarda 'Pink Frosting', providing you with the knowledge to successfully grow this delightful plant in your own garden.
Monarda 'Pink Frosting', also known as bee balm or bergamot, is a compact, clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of 14-16 inches and a spread of 18-24 inches. It is also known as Oswego tea. This variety boasts clusters of beautiful pastel pink flowers, about 2 inches across, borne in dense, globular terminal heads. The flowers rest upon a whorl of decorative bracts and bloom for weeks from mid to late summer, specifically July to August. The aromatic, dark green leaves exude a refreshing minty fragrance when bruised or crushed.
This bee balm variety is perfectly suited to the middle of the flower border, creating captivating displays. It is also a good choice for rain gardens. While it can be grown in containers, it may require more specific care in such environments.
- Botanical Name: Monarda didyma
- Common Name: Bee balm, Bergamot, Oswego tea
- Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
- Height: 14-16 inches
- Spread: 18-24 inches
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Color: Pink
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Medium to wet
- Soil: Moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained
Culinary and Medicinal Uses The toothed, aromatic leaves of Monarda didyma have a history of use in teas and salads. The leaves can be steeped to create a refreshing and flavorful tea, often enjoyed for its minty aroma. They can also be added to salads for a unique flavor and visual appeal.
Care and Cultivation Monarda 'Pink Frosting' thrives in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. While it is not too fussy about soil types, consistent moisture is essential.
- Soil Preferences Monarda 'Pink Frosting' prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and benefits from soil with average to excellent fertility.
- Watering Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing Monarda 'Pink Frosting' is a moderate feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
- Maintenance Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent self-seeding. Divide clumps every 3 years to maintain plant vigor and control spread. Cut the plant back to the ground after flowering to promote new growth.
- Pest and Disease Control Monarda 'Pink Frosting' has above-average resistance to powdery mildew. However, it is crucial to provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, as dry soil can make the plant more susceptible to powdery mildew.
Ideal Growing Conditions To ensure your Monarda 'Pink Frosting' thrives, provide it with the following conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade, with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH.
- Moisture: Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during dry periods.
- Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for air circulation and growth.
Monarda 'Pink Frosting' is a charming and versatile perennial that deserves a place in any garden. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces and containers, while its vibrant pink blooms add a touch of elegance to borders and rain gardens. The plant's mildew resistance and ability to attract pollinators make it a low-maintenance and rewarding choice for gardeners. With proper care and attention to its growing conditions, Monarda 'Pink Frosting' will flourish, providing you with a delightful display of color and fragrance throughout the summer months. Consider adding this beautiful bee balm to your garden and enjoy the beauty and benefits it brings.
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!
