Contents
Description
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight, also known as Bee Balm, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and is widely grown in gardens for its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage. This plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
Appearance
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight grows up to 12-18 inches tall and 12-15 inches wide. It has dark green, aromatic foliage that smells like mint when crushed. The flowers are bright pink and bloom in mid to late summer. They are tubular in shape and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden. The plant has a bushy, upright habit and is a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Water
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot, dry weather. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates and timing.
Soil
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Sunlight
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent this disease, plant the plant in a location with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide according to the label instructions.
Habitat
Monarda Didyma Petite Delight is native to North America and is found in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Monarda Didyma Petite Delight deer resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer resistant.
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Petite Delight be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers, but it will require more frequent watering than if planted in the ground.
Q: How often should I deadhead Monarda Didyma Petite Delight?
A: Deadhead the plant regularly to encourage more blooms. Remove spent flowers by cutting back to a leaf node.
Q: Can Monarda Didyma Petite Delight be propagated by division?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated by division in spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Monarda Bradburiana
- Monarda Citriodora
- Monarda Fistulosa
- Monarda Punctata
References
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Monarda Didyma ‘Petite Delight’ (Bee Balm). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/monarda-didyma-petite-delight-bee-balm
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Monarda Didyma ‘Petite Delight’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a108
