Monarda planting and care in the open field in the Urals

 

Monarda (lat.Monarda) represents a genus of perennial and annual grasses of the Labiate or Lamb family, which includes about 20 species. In Europe, monarda began to be grown as an essential oil crop, and by the 19th century it had become widely known throughout the world under the names bergamot, lemon mint or American lemon balm.

Monarda bergamot is a perennial or annual rhizome plant with straight or branched stems up to one and a half meters high, with oblong-lanceolate straight serrated and, often, fragrant leaves, as well as small, fragrant two-lipped flowers of white, purple, red, yellowish color, sometimes even speckled, collected in dense capitate or racemose inflorescences up to 6-7 cm in diameter, which are most often located on the stem one above the other. The fruit of the monarda is a nut, the seeds ripening in it remain viable for three years. On one site, the monarda is grown for 5-7 years. Monarda attracts not only by the color of the flowers, but also by its amazing aromas. It is used as a spice in cooking, added to tea, and it is good as a honey plant.

   

Monarda growing from seeds

 

In the southern regions, monarda seeds are sown directly into the ground on fine days in February, where they undergo natural stratification during two cold months, as a result of which, already in April, friendly strong shoots appear, which will only be thinned out. If there is snow on the site, remove it, cover the area with a film so that the earth warms up, then loosen the soil by adding a little sand to the top layer and, mixing the seeds with sand in a ratio of 1: 4, sow them. From above, the seeds are also slightly covered with sand. The seeding depth should be no more than 2.5 cm. It is possible to sow in the ground in the fall, immediately after collecting the seeds, and in the spring only open the seedlings, then in a year the grown and strengthened bushes will bloom. Monarda rises very slowly.

Seedling monarda

However, most often the monarda is grown in seedlings.In order to get seedlings of monarda by spring, they are sown in January or February in boxes with soil for vegetable crops, covering the seeds by 2-2.5 cm, and placed in a greenhouse, maintaining the temperature under the film at least 20 ºC. Seedlings appear in three weeks, and after another three weeks the seedlings dive into containers according to the 3x3 or 4x4 scheme in order to increase the feeding area for them.

 

Monarda planting in open ground

 

When to plant a monarda
Planting and caring for a monard in the open field is not difficult. Monarda prefers to grow in a sunny place protected from the wind, although it feels good in partial shade. It is not picky about soils, but grows best on light, calcareous soils, and monarda does not develop well in moist and acidic soil. It is best to plant the monarda in the spring, however, the site for it is prepared in the fall: they dig it up, clearing weeds, and adding 2-3 kg of peat, manure or compost to each m², 20-30 g of potassium salt, 40-50 g of superphosphate and 40 g of lime. In the spring, before planting, 20-30 g of nitrogen fertilizer is applied to the soil for each m².

How to plant a monarda Two months after the emergence of seedlings, when they have three pairs of leaves, the seedlings are planted in a prepared area at a distance of at least 60 cm from each other. Planting monarda ends with abundant watering. Light spring frosts down to -5 ºC are tolerated by seedlings painlessly. Monarda from seeds usually blooms only after a year, but with the seedling method, the most developed specimens can bloom already in the current year.

 

 

Monarda outdoor care

 

Monarda needs frequent but moderate watering, especially in hot weather, otherwise there is a danger of plant disease with powdery mildew. During peak heat, daily watering may be required. In addition, in hot and dry summers, it is necessary to mulch a site with monarda with leaf humus or peat. Loosen the soil around the monarda bushes regularly and remove weeds. Growing monarda also provides for feeding the plant with granulated Kemira or Agricola every two weeks from mid-May to early autumn. Monarda also reacts well to organic matter, for example, to a mullein diluted in a ratio of 1:10. For preventive purposes, in the spring and autumn, monarda is treated with foundation and copper sulfate.

 

Monarda reproduction

 

Since varietal characteristics are not preserved when growing monarda from seeds, it is most reliable to propagate varietal, and even species monarda, by dividing three to four-year-old bushes. It is better to do this in April, when the soil warms up well, or in early autumn. The bush is dug, the roots are cleaned from the ground under a stream of water, divided into approximately equal parts, the cuts are processed with crushed coal and the cuttings are planted in the holes prepared in advance. Be prepared for the fact that you will often have to deal with transplantation with dividing the bush, because literally in two or three years the delenki planted by you will grow up to a meter in diameter.

Propagated monarda and using cuttings 8-10 cm long, which are cut from green shoots before flowering. The lower leaves are removed from the cuttings, the upper ones are shortened by a third. Then the cuttings are planted in a box with moist coarse-grained river sand, covered with agril on top and placed in a dark place. Rooting usually occurs within two to three weeks. In the second half of summer, cuttings are planted in a permanent place.

 

 

Monarda care after flowering

 

How and when to collect monarda seeds.
Monarda seeds ripen in nuts in late August or early September. If you have a desire to do breeding work, you can collect them and immediately sow or grow seedlings that can be planted in the ground in the spring. And you can save the seeds in order to sow in a year or two, since the germination period of monarda seeds with proper storage is three years.We remind you that the seeds of the varietal monarda do not retain their parental properties, only species plants are grown in a generative way.

Preparing monarda for winter If you do not need monarda seeds, leave the fruits on the bushes - in the fall they will be very useful to hungry birds. The remains of annual species of monarda are disposed of, and the site is prepared for a crop that will be grown next year. Monarda is long-term winter-hardy, it can withstand frosts down to -25 ºC, but if you are afraid that winter will be not only cold, but also snowless, insulate the area with a thick layer of mulch or throw spruce branches.

 

 

Monarda disease and pests

 

Monarda is a plant resistant to any troubles, but with a chronic lack of water, it can get sick with powdery mildew. To avoid this, strictly observe the irrigation regime and be sure to mulch the soil on the site so that moisture does not evaporate from the soil so quickly. Sometimes a monarda is infected with a tobacco mosaic virus or rust, a weevil can settle on it, however, a developed and well-groomed monarda does not get sick at all, pests are frightened off by the aroma of monarda and the content of essential oils in its roots.

 

Monarda species and varieties

 

Annual cultivated monarda species include:

 

Monarda lemon

 

Or citrus monarda (Monarda citriodora) - the only annual plant in the genus 15 to 95 cm high with lanceolate leaves and inflorescences of 5-7 whorls with small light or dark lilac flowers, the leaves, flowers and stems of which contain essential oil with the same components that are found in basil, lemon balm and mint, and this allows the use of lemon monarda not only as an ornamental, but also as a gingerbread plant.

 

Monarda lambada hybrid (Monarda lambada)

 

Bred in the Netherlands from the crossing of several species of the Citriodora group, the young leaves of which, like the leaves of the citrus monarda, have a strong lemon aroma.

 

Monarda punctata

 

Or horsemint, mostly not grown for flowers, but for the beautiful, vibrant, salmon-colored leaves that surround the flowers. The plant reaches a height of 80 cm.

 

Perennial monarda is represented by the following types:

 

Monarda double (Monarda didyma)

 

It is a herbaceous perennial, reaching a height of 80 cm, with a horizontal growing rhizome and with tetrahedral leafy erect stems. Its leaves are opposite, short-petiolate, oval, toothed, pointed at the end, pubescent, green, up to 12 cm long, with reddish stipules. The flowers are small, purple or lilac in color, collected in dense capitate inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter. Large leaf-shaped bracts of almost the same shade as the flowers.

 

Monarda fistus

 

Or monard tubular (Monarda fistulosa) grows naturally in the forests of eastern North America, in Europe it is grown mostly as a spicy aromatic plant. It is a perennial with numerous stems, reaching a height of 65 to 120 cm, with simple toothed leaves, pubescent with fine hairs. The flowers of the monarda fistula are lilac, small, connected in false whorls surrounded by reddish stipules and collected in spherical capitate inflorescences. Each peduncle carries from five to nine inflorescences with a diameter of 5 to 7 cm. This species has been cultivated since 1637. There is a dwarf form of the monarda fistula Victoria, bred in Russia.

 

Monarda hybrid (Monarda x hybrida)

 

It combines forms and varieties bred in Germany, Great Britain and the USA with the participation of the double monarda and the fistus monarda. These are plants up to 100 cm high with flowers of various colors, for example:

• violet-purple: Blaustrumpf, Blue Stocking
• purple: Fishee, Zinta-Zinta, Pony
• magenta: Sunset, Prairie Glow, Cardinal
• red: Petite Delight, Cambridge Scarlett, Balance, Adam, Squaw, Mahogeny
• pink: Cratley Pink, Croftway Pink, Rose Queen
• white: Snow Maiden, Snow White, Schneevitchen
• burgundy: Prarienakht, Bordeaux Moldova
• lavender: Elsiz Levende

 

Variety population of Monarda "Panorama"

 

It is a plant with variably colored flowers - purple, white, burgundy, pink, scarlet and crimson.

 

Where to buy monarda seeds

 

The Scientific and Production Association "Sady Rossii" has been introducing the latest achievements in the selection of vegetable, fruit, berry and ornamental crops into the wide practice of amateur gardening for 30 years. In the work of the association, the most modern technologies are used, a unique laboratory for microclonal reproduction of plants has been created. The main tasks of NPO Sady Rossii is to provide gardeners with high-quality planting material for popular varieties of various garden plants and novelties of world selection. Delivery of planting material (seeds, onions, seedlings) is carried out by Russian post. We are waiting for you for shopping: NGO "Gardens of Russia"

 

Fragrant, fragrant and such a bright monarda is rightfully considered one of the most impressive inhabitants of flower gardens today. This plant is modern both in its lines and in a huge palette of varieties, and, if possible, choose varieties of different heights and flowering periods.

A wonderful honey plant and an irreplaceable medicinal crop can become one of the best bright summer flowering perennials. In versatility, monarda easily competes with such favorites of landscape design as lavender, sage, catnip and veronica. But it also has its own exclusive features. After all, it is so unpretentious that it can easily fit into the concept of a garden that requires minimal maintenance.

Growing conditions required by monards

Monarda has earned her title of the unpretentious queen of the modern garden mainly for its ability to quickly adapt to different lighting conditions without losing an attractive and vibrant flowering. And in the sunniest areas, and where partial shade reigns, this perennial develops equally quickly, pleases with a bright cold color of dense foliage and medium-sized, but original fragrant whorls up to 8 cm in diameter from flowers attracting insects. Even in a fairly dense penumbra, the monarda forms up to 100 inflorescences per season in adulthood. But at the same time, in places where the plants will be illuminated for less than 3-4 hours a day, the monard should not be planted: it is shade-tolerant, but not shade-loving.

Pay attention to the wind conditions on the site. In places sold by the wind, the curtains of the monarda disintegrate, the shoots are bent, and the plant itself looks sloppy. For this perennial, warm, protected areas with a maximum light draft are needed.

Choosing a soil for monarda

It is also quite easy to pick up the soil for the monarda. It does not tolerate acidic soils, swampy, overly compacted, neglected areas. For the rest, any, even not too fertile, garden land will do for her. Loam and sandstone typical for flower gardens are ideal for monarda. Avoid overly acidic soils and it is better to plant this beauty in neutral or alkaline soil.

Landing specifics

Monarda is usually grown, leaving wide aisles, but placing the plants themselves close enough. The optimal distance is about 30-40 cm in a row and up to 70 cm in aisles. When planting 1 bush, 40-50 cm is left to neighboring plants. Before planting seedlings or monarda delineations, it is necessary to improve the soil. Dig the soil deeply, and then scatter the ready-made substrate for flowering crops or organic fertilizers in the form of humus and compost over its surface in an amount of about 3 kg per square meter of soil. Too acidic soil must be limed by adding 40 g of lime per square meter. Dig up the soil again or cover the fertilizer in the ground with a rake.

Thoroughly level the soil, make deep planting holes in it and water each one to soak with water. Only after that, plant the plants in individual pits, maintaining their usual level of deepening. Immediately after planting, the monarda needs several maintenance watering at intervals of 2-3 days.

Simple care for a non-capricious monard

Caring for a monarda is no different from caring for other garden perennials of the so-called group of unpretentious generalists. In fact, it comes down to rare watering, top dressing and pruning before wintering.

This plant will need watering only when the drought coincides with the flowering period of the monarda in July and August. If the amount of natural precipitation is insufficient, all plants on flower beds and in decorative compositions suffer from a lack of moisture, then the monarda will not refuse deep supporting watering. Saturate the soil with water to a depth of about 20-30 cm. The monard is not afraid of droughts during the rest of the year, and it will not die from it during flowering. But the absence of compensating watering will necessarily affect the beauty of the inflorescences, and the lack of comfortable humidity will reduce the resistance of the monarda to powdery mildew.

In order for the monarda to please not only with the endurance and beauty of the greenery, but also with bright flowering, starting from the second year of cultivation (and on poor soils - from the first), two additional fertilizing is necessary for this crop:

1. The first is carried out in early spring or a month after planting. For a plant, you need to add 1 tbsp. complex mineral fertilizer (best of all nitrophosphate) or a portion of any fertilizer for flowering plants per 10 liters of water. This mixture is enough for 2 square meters of soil.
2. The second feeding is carried out to improve the ripening of plants and to lay flower buds for the next year immediately after the end of flowering. For it, use 1 tablespoon of sulfate and potassium fertilizers per 10 liters of water (it is best to use potassium sulfate and superphosphate).

Pruning monarda comes down to just harvesting the aerial parts of plants before the arrival of winter. In late autumn, the entire aerial part of the bush is cut into a stump. The cut shoots of the monarda must be removed from the site and immediately destroyed. In monarda, the ripening of the seeds does not in any way affect the duration of flowering, therefore it is not at all necessary to remove the faded shoots on your own.

In one place, a monard can grow for 5-6 years. Rejuvenation is traditionally carried out with signs of loss of decorativeness and baldness of the center of the curtain. But it is better not to wait for the bushes to die off and lose their attractiveness, but to carry out timely separation every 3-4 years. This will keep the monarda always attractive and abundant.

Reproduction of monarda

A new generation of plants can be obtained by vegetative methods and from seeds. When propagated by seeds, the monarda can mutate, the varietal characteristics of the plants are not preserved, therefore, when growing rare varieties of monarda and if you wish to preserve the color, only the method of separating the bushes should be used.

The division of the bushes is carried out during rejuvenation, digging out sods with a large clod of earth in spring or autumn. The central part of the bush is removed, and the lateral ones are divided into 2-3, sometimes more strong divisions and each is used as an independent plant. In each part, separated from the bush, at least 3-4 strong shoots and a large bunch of roots should be preserved.

Monarda seeds are sown directly into open soil on special ridges or use the seedling method.

For seedlings, seeds must be sown at the end of March, only slightly covering with soil and maintaining the moisture of the substrate until shoots appear. Care for young seedlings is standard. Monarda is transferred to the ground from the end of May.

Sowing in open soil is carried out only in June and July. Before sowing monarda, a large amount of organic fertilizers, in particular compost and humus, must be added to the soil into the soil.Furrows are made on the surface of the soil at a distance of 15-20 cm, they are watered abundantly and only then the seeds are sparsely sown. They are covered from above with as thin a layer of soil as possible and immediately cover the entire bed with non-woven material or film. The shelter is removed only after the emergence of seedlings. Watering the seeds before germination is necessary up to 3 times a week. Plants are grown with double thinning, first by 10, and then by 20 cm until next year. Young seedlings are very fragile, they can easily be drowned out by weeds, so crops will need frequent weeding. They are transferred to a permanent place in the spring, planting 5-6 plants in one hole.

Pests and diseases

Monarda belongs to the most resistant garden plants. She is not afraid of pests or diseases, and even with signs of stains on the leaves, it is most likely a downy mildew, which only spoils the appearance, but will not cause any harm to either the plant itself or neighboring crops. Downy mildew in monarda manifests itself only with excessive drying out of the soil and prolonged drought, as well as with thickened plantings, when air circulation is difficult. By properly planting a monarda and not forgetting about maintenance watering in the summer, you actually guarantee the attractiveness of this plant.

Monarda clinopodia, white bergamot

Very rarely, a monarda in the vicinity of a diseased plant can become infected with rust or tobacco mosaic, but usually these diseases spread to monarda only on ultra-light soils.

The roots of this plant, as well as the greenery, contain a large amount of essential oils. They have a fungicidal effect on the soil, contribute to the healing of neighboring plants and act as a prophylaxis against insect pests.

Of the 20 species of the Lamb family of annual and perennial grasses, which originate from the North American continent and are widespread from Mexico to Canada, the Monarda plant is noteworthy. Carl Linnaeus, in the name of the flower, immortalized the name of the Spaniard Nicholas Monardes, who devoted his life to healing and botany, and in 1574 published a book about the plants of America.

In his book, Monardes mentioned another name for monarda: the plant was then known as the soulmate of Virginia or Canadian Origano. Once in the Old World, the monarda attracted attention primarily as an essential oil plant and from the 19th century it became better known as bergamot, American lemon balm or lemon mint.

Description of monarda

Monarda in landscape design photo in a flowerbed with other flowers

Perennial and annual monarda belongs to rhizome plants. Its branched or straight stems rise to a height of up to 1.5 meters. Monarda leaves are fragrant, have an oblong-lanceolate shape with a straight or serrated edge. Quite small, with a pleasant smell, two-lipped flowers are collected in dense, up to 7 cm in diameter, racemose or capitate inflorescences. White, yellow, red, speckled flowers are located one above the other along the entire length of the stem. The fruit of the monarda is a nut with seeds inside.

Ripening, the seeds do not lose their germination for 3 years. You can use one site for planting a plant up to 7 years old. Monarda is appreciated not only for the attractive shade of the flower, but also for its unique aroma, which has found its application in cooking as a spice and as an additive to tea. Its qualities of a honey plant are also undeniable.

How to plant monarda seeds in the ground

How to sow monarda with seeds directly into the ground photo of seedlings

Sowing monarda in spring

If the monarda is cultivated in the southern regions, then its seeds are sown directly into the ground. Do this in February, choosing a sunny warm day. A couple of the next, still cool, months will contribute to the natural stratification of seeds.And only in the month of April one can expect the appearance of strong and friendly seedlings, which after a while should be thinned out.

If at the time of sowing there is snow on the ground, you should clear the plot of land and cover it with foil. The ground under the film will warm up well and will be ready for loosening. Before planting seeds in it, the top layer of soil is mixed with sand. Seeds are sown to a depth not exceeding 2.5 cm. It is better to sprinkle the seeds on top with sand, not soil.

Sowing monarda before winter

Many people practice the autumn sowing of monarda after the seeds have been harvested. It is necessary to wait for a cold snap, with night frosts up to 5 ° C. Each region has its own climate, but around winter you can sow already at the end of October, when there is no risk of seed germination in warm weather.

The garden bed is prepared in advance so that the earth settles and grooves are made at a distance of 20-25 cm. They also sow as little as possible and not deeply, up to 2.5 cm.

With the arrival of spring, the grown seedlings dive to get beautiful and strong bushes. It should be noted that the flower rises slowly.

Growing monarda from seeds for seedlings at home

Monarda from seeds at home photo shoots

This method of growing monarda is preferred first of all.

• So that the seedlings are ready by April, they begin to sow them in January. For this, boxes or containers with drainage are used, into which special soil is poured for growing flowering flowers.
• Seeding depth 1.5-2 cm
• Maintain the temperature at 20 ºC using a stretched cling film or sachet.

The first shoots should be expected after 3-4 weeks. It will take another 3 weeks for the grown seedlings to release the first true leaves. When 2-3 leaves appear, the plants should be cut into individual cups or spacious containers to increase the feeding area according to the scheme: 4x4 or 3x3.

Water it sparingly so as not to flood the seedlings and not to provoke the development of rot. Provide a lot of light, do not allow too high temperatures so that the seedlings do not stretch out. If this happens, carefully add the earth to the level of the leaves so that the plants do not deform.

When the first two pairs of real leaves appear, the monarda seedlings need to start hardening: take the boxes out onto the street or balcony. Starting from an hour or two, increase the time to a full day. One to two weeks of hardening is enough to prepare the plants for transplanting to a permanent outdoor location.

Optimal conditions for planting monarda in the ground

Monarda will please the eye only if the conditions that are necessary for the growth of the plant are created, although they are not difficult. The flower loves sunny, sheltered from the wind, places. The semi-shaded areas of the garden do not scare him either. The soil prefers light, lime-rich. Waterlogged acidic soil negatively affects plant growth.

Spring is the most favorable time for planting crops, although the planting site is prepared in advance, in the fall. To do this, weeds are destroyed and the area is dug up together with peat, manure (at the rate of 2-3kg per 1m2) and a complex of mineral fertilizers, which includes potassium salt (30 g / m2), superphosphate (50 g / m2), lime (40g / m2 ). Before planting in the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are added to the soil (30g / 1m²).

Landing monarda

How to plant a monarda in the ground photo

When 3 pairs of leaves are formed on the seedlings, and this will happen a couple of months after the appearance of the first shoot, they are transferred to open prepared soil.

When planting, they maintain a distance between the bushes equal to 60 cm. After planting, the monarda must be watered abundantly. She is not afraid of spring frosts down to -5 ºС and easily tolerates them. With seed planting, the flowering of monarda can be observed only after a year. If the monard is planted using seedlings, then some of its specimens can please with their flowering in the year of planting.

How to care for a monarda in the garden

The main thing is to ensure frequent but moderate watering of the plant in the summer. If the heat is established for a long time, then the monarda should be watered daily. A hot season with a lack of watering can bring a disease dangerous to the plant - powdery mildew. It will be good during this period to mulch the soil under the monard with peat and constantly loosen it.

To feed the crop, use granulated Agricola or Kemira twice a month during the entire growing season. A mullein diluted in a ratio of 1 to 10 will not interfere with her. To prevent insects, the plant is treated with Fundazol or Bordeaux mixture in the spring and autumn.

How to propagate a monarda by dividing a bush

Unfortunately, during seed reproduction, there is no need to talk about the preservation of varietal traits if you grow beautiful hybrid forms.

To preserve the variety, you will have to deal with dividing a bush 3-4 years old. When to transplant a monarda? This can be done twice a year: in April, if the soil is well warmed up, or with the onset of autumn. To do this, the roots are freed from the ground from the dug bush and divided by eye.

Ready-made new bushes are planted at the same level as before dividing, in pre-prepared holes. Since the transplanted bushes will grow strongly in a couple of years (up to 1 m in diameter), then it will be necessary to transplant this plant by dividing the bush quite often.

Propagation of monarda by cuttings

How to propagate monarda by cuttings photo

You can use the cuttings method when propagating a plant.

• To do this, choose 7 - 10 centimeter cuttings, which are formed from the grown green shoots of the monarda, but have not yet begun to bloom.
• The leaves in the lower part of the cutting are completely cut off, the upper ones are cut by 1/3 part.

How to plant a monarda with cuttings

• Cuttings are planted in a pre-prepared box or pots with a loose nutrient substrate and removed in a dark place.
• You can just put the cuttings in the water.
• After 2-3 weeks, the root system will form in the cuttings of the monarda and they will be ready for transplantation into open ground. It is better to do this in August.

Possible diseases and pests of Monarda

Monarda possesses paradoxical resistance to both diseases and numerous plant pests. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to the presence of essential oils in the roots of the plant. Despite this, with insufficient watering, when there is unbearable heat, powdery mildew can affect the monarda. A verified irrigation regime and soil mulching will help get rid of it. Very rarely, a plant can attack a tobacco mosaic virus or rust virus and settle in a weevil.

How to collect monarda seeds

How to collect monarda seeds photo

Seed ripening occurs at the end of August and at the beginning of September. When the plant fades, you need to be careful. To prevent the seeds from spilling out, you need to cut off the dried testes and put them in a shady place until they are completely ripe and dry. When the baskets dry well, the seeds easily spill out of the tubular seedlings.

There are several ways to handle the harvested seeds. First, they can be sown immediately. The resulting seedlings will find their permanent habitat only in the spring. Secondly, the seeds are well stored and do not lose their germination within 3 years. If there is no need to update the monard, then you can use them later. It is important to remember that a monarda grown from seeds of hybrid plants will never retain its parental properties. The seed method is used only for cultivating varietal plants.

Preparing monarda for winter

Leaving seeds that you don't need on the bushes can be a great food for hungry birds in the fall. What remains of the annual culture is removed from the flower bed in late autumn. In the spring, self-seeding sprouts will appear in the same place.

As for the perennial monarda, it is frost-resistant (it can withstand temperatures of - 25ºC). If the frosts in your area are much stronger, you need shelter for the winter:

• Make hilling 20-25 cm high.
• Cover the top with a layer of straw or hay 10-15 cm thick.
• To prevent the shelter from being blown away by the wind, press down on the mulch with boards and bricks.

In winter, it will be good to pour a layer of snow on top. In the spring, with the onset of warmth, they remove the shelter and remove the pile of earth so that the plant wakes up early.

Monarda varieties with photos and names

Annual types of culture:

Citrus monarda or lemon Monarda citriodora

Citrus monarda or lemon Monarda citriodora growing from seeds planting and caring for photos

It is almost the only annual, reaching a height of 15 - 95 cm. Its narrow lanceolate leaves, stem and small lilac flowers contain an essential oil, which is not inferior in composition to the essential oil of basil and mint. Therefore, citrus monarda is cultivated both as a decorative flower and as a spice.

Hybrid monarda Lambada Monarda lambada

Monarda hybrid Lambada Monarda lambada cultivation and care of a photo

It is the brainchild of Dutch breeders. When crossed, several Citriodora groups were used, the aroma of young leaves of which is very similar to lemon.

Point monarda Monarda punctata

Spot monarda Monarda punctata cultivar Leu photo Cultivation and care

It is also called horse mint. The attractiveness of this species is given by the bright orange leaves located around the inflorescence. The flower can reach 80 cm in height.

Types of perennial monarda:

Double monarda Monarda didyma

Double monarda Monarda didyma planting and care photos

In the wild, it is found near the Great Lakes, the first description of which dates back to 1656. It grows up to 80 cm tall. It is a herbaceous perennial with erect stems in the shape of a tetrahedron. Opposite, edged, leaves are oval toothed with a pointed end. They grow up to 12 cm long and have reddish stipules. The petiole is almost absent.

The plant's rhizome grows horizontally. Smallish lilac or purple flowers are collected in dense, up to 5 cm in diameter, capitate-type inflorescences. The leaf-like shape of the bracts, matching in color with the flowers, lends elegance to this species.

Fist or tubular Monarda fistulosa wild bergamot

Fist or tubular monarda fistulosa growing from seeds photo

Naturally grows in forests in the East of the North American continent. In Europe, it is cultivated for spices. This multi-stemmed perennial grows up to 0.6 - 1.20 m in height. Its simple, serrated leaves are covered with hairs.

Small lilac flowers are connected in false-type whorls. The flowers are surrounded by red stipules, which gather in capitate spherical inflorescences. On a single peduncle there are 5-9 inflorescences, each of which has a diameter of 5-7 cm. It has been known since 1637. The dwarf-shaped fist monard Victoria was bred in Russia.

Hybrid monarda x hybrida

Hybrid monarda monarda x hybrida cultivation and care of the photo

This name combined the varieties obtained by breeders of Great Britain, Germany and the USA by combining the double and fistula monarda. The height of the hybrids reaches 1 meter.
The number of color shades is striking in its variety. Here are some of them:

• white: Snow White, Snow Maiden, Schneewittchen
• burgundy: Bordeaux Moldova, Prarienakht
• reds: Adam, Balance, Cambridge Scarlet, Petite Delight, Mahogeny
• lavender: Elsiz Levende
• magenta: Cardinal, Prairie Glow, Sunset
• purple: Zinta-Zinta, Pony, Fishee
• Purple-purple hue: Blaustrumpf, Blue Stocking.

Monarda cambridge scarlet monarda cambridge scarlet photo

The Panorama variety unites a monarda of a variety of color shades from snow-white, pink to crimson, purple and burgundy.

The healing properties of monarda

Perennial flower monarda photo useful properties

Homeopathy widely uses monarda as a source of essential oil, vitamins C, B1, B2 and other active biological components.Of course, the most valuable thing in monard is essential oil, known for its bactericidal properties, which have antianemic, antioxidant, anti-stress, reproductive effects.

The systematic use of this oil clears the aorta from sclerotic plaques, helps to cope with radiation sickness, viral flu, and to tighten weak immunity. It is recommended to use Monarda for the following diseases: pneumonia, otitis media, cystitis, indigestion, diseases of the oral cavity. It relieves headaches, fungal infections of the nails and feet.

Cosmetologists include monarda in the composition of preparations intended for oily (acne prone) skin, used as a component of a cream of the age category 45+.

Seasonings for fish and vegetable dishes are prepared from the leaves of monarda. They are brewed like tea, added to soups and salads.

To whom the monard is contraindicated in any form

Of course, the monard is useful, but its excessive use is harmful to the body. First of all, the monard is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as for children under 5 years of age. It is excluded not only the use of monarda inside, but also in the form of raw materials for an aroma lamp.

For the first time these plants are mentioned in the description of Nicholas Monardes. That is why the name of the Spanish botanist is assigned to the plant. Monarda - varieties, outdoor cultivation, planting, care, reproduction.

Description: varieties and varieties of monarda

Monara is an annual or perennial, essential oil, rather tall plant, cultivated in the open field. The height of the tetrahedral, pubescent stem reaches from 60 cm to 1 m. The erect stem reaches a height of 60 -90 cm.

Flowering monarda

Dense green leaves (often pubescent) serrated along the edge. The leaves emit a strong aroma: lemon, bergamot, mint. Monarda blooms in the second half of summer with small flowers of different colors, collected in inflorescences. Most often, monarda flowers have a characteristic red color, but varieties with pink, white, purple flowers are found.

The plant belongs to the famous Labiate family. The unpretentious monarda reaches splendor by the 5th year of life: then one bush is able to form over 100 peduncles. Monarda is a wonderful honey plant. Disease-resistant, an unusual plant is used to decorate garden plots, more and more often the culture is used in the design of park areas in landscape design. The plant can withstand the harsh Russian winters - it hibernates without shelter or with light shelter.

Monarda is one of the easiest plants to care for

Perennial monarda varieties cultivated for many years have become widespread:

• M. fisty;
• M. is double;
• M. lemon.

For the manufacture of spicy-flavoring seasonings, varieties of dwarf monarda are grown.
Rarely found in gardens varieties of monarda fragrant, medium, soft, dotted, Bradbury, red, scattered, comb.

Breeders have bred many hybrid varieties of the plant with the participation of monarda double. These cultivars are successfully grown in the open field without insulation in winter. The variety of colors of the hybrid monarda flowers allows the plant to be used in landscape design to create compositions from tall plants.

Citrus monarda

Cultivated on the territory of our country as annuals:

• M. citrus;
• Monarda'Lambada '(hybrid);
• Horse mint (point monarda).

Planting a plant

Landing a monarda will not cause much difficulty, provided several conditions are met.

A tall plant often breaks down and loses its decorative effect under constant winds. It is required to choose a place protected from the wind for the culture, but with a sufficient amount of sunlight.

Monarda loves bright landing spots

Although the plant requires a bright, sunny location, planting the monarda in shady areas is also possible.At the same time, the appearance of the plant, the decorativeness of the inflorescences and the duration of the flowering period will not suffer, the color of the petals in this case will be even richer.

Monarda plants are capable of thriving outdoors on infertile soils, but when fertilized, the plant reacts with violent growth and lush flowering.

Tip: When planting a monarda, you should choose an area with neutral or alkaline soil. Planting a plant in acidic soil, inhibits growth, reduces the decorative effect of flowering. If the soil at the planting site is acidic, it is necessary to first perform liming measures.

Preparing the soil for planting monarda: you need to deeply dig up the beds in the fall, add rotted manure, peat, potash and phosphorus fertilizers.

Correct care

Monarda is a persistent plant, caring for it is not difficult. On hot summer days, the bushes of the plant in the open field should be watered, but in moderation, without overflow. A strong drying out of the soil must not be allowed: watering must be done regularly and in a timely manner. If these rules are not followed, the monard can be affected by fungal diseases, especially powdery mildew. Timely watering - guarantees crop growth and decorative flowering.

Do not forget to water the culture - otherwise it will not bloom

Tip: To prevent the soil from drying out, it is useful to mulch the crop with peat or humus soil. It is forbidden to use sawdust for mulching the soil, which, when decomposed, emit substances harmful to the roots.

To maintain the decorative properties of monarda plantings on the site, it is required to update the bushes at least once every 3-4 years, while their location on the territory must also be changed.

Fertilizer and feeding monarda

Top dressing of monarda is carried out during the growing season and flowering, as well as in autumn and spring, with the regrowth of new shoots and the transition of the plant to the dormant period.

Like many other plants, monarda responds well to soil mulching and feeding.

Spring feeding is carried out with a complex mineral fertilizer by adding it directly to the soil under the plants. After 2 weeks, it is useful to repeat this procedure: mineral fertilizer is applied at the rate of 40 g per 1 m2.

Fertilization of monarda in the autumn period is reduced to feeding plants with potash and phosphorus compositions of prolonged action. Dry granules are lightly embedded in the soil, where the fertilizer slowly dissolves and flows with water to the roots of the plant. By the spring, the fertilizer accumulates in the plant and stimulates lush flowering.

Foliar dressing will have a good effect on the flowering of the culture.

During the growing season, foliar feeding of flower bushes (spraying on foliage) with mineral fertilizers and microelements is allowed. With a significant increase in temperature in the summer, in order to protect the plant from stress, the green mass is treated with an epin solution.
Monarda: planting and care in the open field, adherence to simple rules of agricultural technology for growing a plant is a guarantee of successful growth of flower bushes.

Plant propagation

Reproduction of a perennial is allowed in two ways: vegetative and seed. At vegetative reproduction monarda is made by dividing the bush and segments of rhizomes.
The bush is dug up, cut into several parts with the division of the root system. Sections are powdered with ash, sprinkled with charcoal. Delenki sit in pits prepared in advance with fertile soil. Reproduction of the monarda by dividing the bush allows you to quickly get young plants that retain all the characteristics of the variety. Young plants bloom in a year.

Monarda root

Reproduction of flower culture seeds shown if pollination of plants was undertaken to obtain new hybrids. Seeds are sown in special containers, in the phase of 4 leaves, a pick is made.The germination temperature is + 20 ° C. The slow growth of seedlings at first will more than pay off when the plants gain strength. Young plants planted in a permanent place need to be weeded and watered periodically. Seed propagation allows you to get new varieties with interesting petal colors. The disadvantage of this method is that the monard from seeds does not bloom in the 2nd year of development.

Diseases and pests

The main disease of the monarda stems from the unfavorable conditions in which the plant is forced to be: with arid content, excessive watering and inappropriate fertilizers, the monarda becomes ill with powdery mildew. Growing monarda requires compliance with the entire range of plant care measures.

Monarda infected with powdery mildew

In addition to powdery mildew, all aerial parts of the plant can be affected by fungal diseases. One of the causative agents of the disease is Puccinia rnenthae. Copper preparations are used to treat this disease. Diseases are prevented by observing the rules of plant agrotechnology.

Monarda: combination with other plants

Monarda bushes look great on flower beds in gardens and squares. Tall crops adorn the green spaces of cities. An unpretentious flower requires minimal maintenance. Monarda forms interesting combinations with decorative deciduous plants, conifers and annuals. Care must be taken when planting so that a tall, oversized plant does not shade undersized neighbors.

Monarda combined with lilies

Individual group plantings of monarda are very decorative, especially when choosing harmonious colors of the petals. Choosing a combination of contrasting tones or soft tone transitions - it all depends on the architect's ideas when decorating the territories of park zones.

Monarda in landscape design

The plant is perfect for growing in flower beds, ridges, lawns. When planting a perennial mixboder, the monarda is ideal for background decoration. Cereals perfectly complement the spreading bushes of monarda. In addition, next to the monarda are planted: rudbeckia, perennial phlox, bells, large chamomile.

Monarda in landscape design

Separately planted monarda bushes decorate lawns and ridges. A tall plant is perfect for decorating fences and hedges.

Photos of various plantings of monarda suggest new options for using this worthy and resistant plant, emphasizing the decorativeness of the planting territory.

How to care for a monarda: video

Varieties of monarda: photo