Monarda 'Leading Lady Orchid' PP33132 CPBR6833

Leading Lady Series

Common Name: Bee Balm

Bee Balm typically bloom in midsummer, but 'Leading Lady Orchid' 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 Orchid' has densely branched, dark green, somewhat glossy foliage and is topped with orchid pink blossoms and lighter pink interiors providing a bicolor effect. A fine mist of fuchsia spots appears on the open petals.

'Leading Lady Orchid' 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.

Height:

10.0-14.0 Inches

Spread:

22.0-28.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Small

Origin:

Native to North America

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.

Characteristics