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Description
Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac, also known as Oswego Tea or Bee Balm, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the Eastern part of the United States. The plant blooms in mid-summer and produces showy flowers in shades of purple and pink.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
Appearance
Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac can grow up to 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It has green leaves that are lance-shaped and serrated. The flowers are tubular and grow in dense clusters at the top of the stem. The petals are pink or purple and the center of the flower is darker in color. The plant has a pleasant fragrance and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It prefers well-draining soil and should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 9. It should be pruned back in the fall or early spring to promote new growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac is susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powder-like substance to appear on the leaves. It can also attract spider mites, aphids, and thrips. To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained by watering and fertilizing it regularly.
Habitat
Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac is native to North America and can be found in the Eastern part of the United States. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can be found in meadows, prairies, and along streambanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac grow in containers?
A: Yes, Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac can grow in containers as long as it has enough space and is well-drained.
Q: How often should Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac be fertilized?
A: Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to prune Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac?
A: Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac should be pruned back in the fall or early spring to promote new growth.
Q: Does Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Related Plants
- Monarda Didyma
- Monarda Fistulosa
- Monarda Citriodora
References
- “Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021.
- “Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac.” The Spruce, 2021.
- “Monarda Didyma Balmy Lilac.” Fine Gardening, 2021.
