Monarda didyma Sugar Buzz Pink Frosting

Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Pink Frosting' is a variety of bergamot with a compact and well-branched habit that produces dense, round flowers in a pale pink colour. Its dark green foliage is aromatic, emitting a fresh and vibrant citrus and mint scent, and the plant is healthy and resistant to diseases. The fluffy flowers bloom abundantly throughout the summer and are highly attractive to pollinators. Plant this perennial in the garden or in a pot on the terrace.

Monarda didyma Sugar Buzz® 'Pink Frosting' belongs to the mint family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of the many hybrids of Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa, both native to North America. It is an herbaceous and deciduous perennial that forms an upright clump about 40cm tall, with a spread of approximately 45cm. The flowering begins in July and can continue until October if faded flowers are removed. The tousled shape of its inflorescences gives it its uniqueness. They are composed of pale pink flowers, curved, measuring 5 to 7cm long, with an upright upper flower and a lower flower divided into three lobes and more spreading. They are borne on upright stems. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous. The dark green foliage is aromatic, releasing a pleasant citrus scent when crushed, which is a characteristic feature. The leaves are opposite, veined, and toothed, measuring 10 to 15cm long, and often attract insects. This plant spreads in the soil through its fine rhizomes, but it does not become invasive. It is very hardy and can also be long-lived if grown under favourable conditions.

Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Pink Frosting' thrives in full sun or partial shade, in moist and fairly rich soil. It can be planted in flower beds and borders, mixed borders, and happily accompanies all cottage garden perennials in shades of pink and blue, such as phlox, roses, daylilies, asters, delphiniums, with a few clumps of Pennisetum. Plant it in groups of six plants to create a beautiful mass of flowers. It also thrives near a water feature, in damp but not waterlogged soil. Its flowers are lovely for creating beautiful bouquets.

It is worth noting that Monarda contains essential oils similar to thyme, whose virtues were already known to Native Americans. Monarda can be used to make herbal tea using its leaves or flowers, whether fresh or dried. The young shoots can also be used in salads or in the stuffing of a roast.