Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple
Contents
Description
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple, also known as Bee Balm, is a compact perennial plant that is popular among gardeners due to its striking purple flowers. This plant is a member of the mint family and is native to North America. It is known for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
Appearance
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple has a compact, bushy growth habit and typically grows to be about 12-18 inches tall. The plant produces showy, bright purple flowers that are 2-3 inches in diameter and have a slightly ruffled appearance. The flowers bloom from midsummer to early fall and are held on sturdy stems that do not require staking. The plant’s leaves are aromatic, and when crushed, they release a minty scent. The foliage is dark green and slightly hairy, with a lance-shaped appearance.
Care Guide
Water
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple prefers consistently moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To keep Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple healthy and thriving, it is recommended to fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging carefully.
Soil
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Sunlight
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate some shade, but the plant will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple can be susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating to develop on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. Spider mites and thrips can also be a problem for this plant. If you notice tiny webs or stippling on the leaves, you may have an infestation. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control these pests.
Habitat
Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple is native to North America and can be found growing in meadows, prairies, and along streambanks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it will require more frequent watering and fertilization than if it were planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I deadhead Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple?
A: Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. It is recommended to deadhead Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.
Q: Is Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple deer-resistant?
A: While no plant is completely deer-proof, Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple is considered deer-resistant due to its aromatic foliage.
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the roots with a sharp knife, making sure each division has several stems and a healthy root system.
Related Plants
– Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’- Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild Bergamot’- Monarda citriodora ‘Lemon Mint’- Monarda punctata ‘Spotted Bee Balm’
References
– “Monarda Didyma Pardon My Purple” – Missouri Botanical Garden- “Bee Balm: Plant Care and Collection of Varieties” – Garden.org- “Monarda Didyma: Bee Balm” – University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension
