Monarda Bradburiana
Contents
Description
Monarda Bradburiana, also known as Eastern Bee Balm or Bradbury’s Monarda, is a perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the eastern part of North America and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant has a unique fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, come in shades of pink, purple, and white. Monarda Bradburiana is a great addition to any garden, as it not only adds color but also attracts pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
Appearance
The leaves of Monarda Bradburiana are medium to dark green and have a lance-shaped appearance. They are arranged opposite to each other on the stem and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and have a tubular shape. They are approximately 1 inch long and have a unique fragrance. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of 1-2 feet. Monarda Bradburiana is a great addition to any garden due to its striking appearance.
Care Guide
Monarda Bradburiana is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some guidelines to help you care for your plant:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Monarda Bradburiana in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Monarda Bradburiana is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Bradburiana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that you may encounter:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause discoloration and webbing on the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide.
- Crown Rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is caused by a fungus in the soil. Remove infected plants and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Monarda Bradburiana is native to the eastern part of North America and can be found growing in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Monarda Bradburiana deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Monarda Bradburiana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Monarda Bradburiana?
A: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: When should I prune my Monarda Bradburiana?
A: Prune your plant back in the fall after it has finished blooming.
Related Plants
- Monarda didyma (Bee Balm)
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
- Monarda punctata (Spotted Bee Balm)
- Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm)
References
- “Monarda Bradburiana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c840
- “Monarda Bradburiana.” Plant Database. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Monarda+bradburiana
- “Monarda Bradburiana.” North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/monarda-bradburiana/
