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Description
Monarda Didyma Purple Lace, also known as Bee Balm or Oswego Tea, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mint family. It is native to North America and is widely known for its attractive purple flowers and strong fragrance. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it a perfect addition to any garden or landscape. Its foliage is dark green and slightly hairy, with lance-shaped leaves that are about 3-4 inches long. The plant blooms from mid to late summer, producing showy clusters of tubular flowers that are usually purple in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Monarda |
| Species | Didyma |
Appearance
The Monarda Didyma Purple Lace plant is a beautiful and attractive plant that can enhance any garden or landscape. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with a spread of about 18-24 inches. Its foliage is dark green and slightly hairy, with lance-shaped leaves that are about 3-4 inches long. The flowers are showy clusters of tubular flowers that are usually purple in color, with a diameter of 2-3 inches. The plant blooms from mid to late summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
If you’re planning to grow Monarda Didyma Purple Lace, it’s important to provide the plant with the right care to ensure its growth and health. Here’s a detailed care guide:Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during its growing season. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soil.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its blooming.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Monarda Didyma Purple Lace plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a common fungal disease that affects many plants. Powdery mildew can cause white or grayish patches on the leaves, and it can affect the plant’s growth and blooming. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure to provide good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected leaves.
Habitat
The Monarda Didyma Purple Lace plant is native to North America and can be found in many regions, including the eastern and central United States. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant can be grown in gardens, landscapes, and even in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Monarda Didyma Purple Lace a perennial or annual plant?
A: Monarda Didyma Purple Lace is a perennial herbaceous plant.Q: What is the blooming season of Monarda Didyma Purple Lace?
A: The plant blooms from mid to late summer.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Monarda Didyma Purple Lace?
A: The plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew.Q: What is the hardiness zone of Monarda Didyma Purple Lace?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 4-9.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Monarda Didyma Purple Lace:
- Monarda Jacob Cline
- Monarda Cherry Pops
- Monarda Fireball
- Monarda Petite Delight
- Monarda Raspberry Wine
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Monarda Didyma ‘Purple Lace’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277064&isprofile=0&basic=monarda
- RHS. (n.d.). Monarda didyma ‘Purple Lace’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/145290/Monarda-didyma-Purple-Lace/Details
- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Bee Balm (Monarda spp.). Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/herbaceous-perennials/bee-balm-monarda-spp
