Monarda 'DONNERWOLKE' monarda, bee-balm

Beebalm (monarda) is a summer-flowering perennial from North America. In July it makes 60-70 cm tall stems with strappy flowers. Donnerwolke has unusual flower colour for monarda – the flowers are rich violet purple. The leaves are mid green with some blue-green hues, and appear from the ground along the stem. They release a lovely bergamot-like fragrance, similar to what Earl Grey tea is famous for. Moreover the flowers are edible so you can use them for decorating salads or summer sundaes.

It grows reliably in almost any well-drained, medium fertile soil, preferably in full sun. It spreads readily and forms a rich clump with many flowering stems until early autumn. Unless you want it to spread remove suckers in late summer. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4)

Last update 21-01-2013