Contents
Description
Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is also commonly known as Bee Balm or Oswego Tea. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has a spread of about 2 feet. It produces clusters of pink flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
| Species | Didyma |
| Cultivar | Croftway Pink |
Appearance
The Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink has lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and have a slightly hairy texture. The leaves are about 3-4 inches long and grow opposite each other on the stem. The flowers are tubular in shape and are about 2 inches long. They grow in clusters at the top of the stem and are a bright shade of pink. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Care Guide
Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during dry spells. Make sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap out of the plant, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powder to form on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink is native to North America and can be found growing in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. It prefers moist soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally deer-resistant.
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its growth.
Q: Does Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: How often should Monarda Didyma Croftway Pink be pruned?
A: Prune your plant after it has finished blooming to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Related Plants
- Monarda Didyma
- Monarda Fistulosa
- Monarda Punctata
- Monarda Citriodora
References
- “Monarda Didyma ‘Croftway Pink’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279902&isprofile=0&basic=monarda%20croftway%20pink. Accessed 18 March 2021.
- “Beebalm.” Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Cooperative Extension, https://hort.cals.cornell.edu/plants/monarda-didyma/. Accessed 18 March 2021.
- “Monarda ‘Croftway Pink’.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/191381/i-Monarda-i-Croftway-Pink/Details. Accessed 18 March 2021.
