Monarda Purple Lace - Beebalm

Monarda 'Purple Lace', also known as bergamot, is compact with beautiful, very bright pink-purple flowers. The fine petals are arranged in a fountain shape around a well-defined centre, and the flowers are set above dark green, very healthy and highly aromatic foliage. This nectar-rich perennial plant is easy to grow, ideal for sunny flowerbeds or cool woodlands. It thrives in ordinary, moist but not too dry soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Monarda 'Purple Lace' belongs to the Lamiacea family, which includes many medicinal and aromatic plants. It is one of the many hybrids obtained through cross-breeding between two wild species, Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa, both native to North America. It is an herbaceous perennial, forming a bushy clump with a height and width of 40 cm (16in). It flowers for up to eight weeks in the middle of summer, from July to September. The fluffy flowers give it a unique character. They are small, 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long, surrounded by green bracts, with an upright upper lip and a more spread-out lower lip divided into three lobes, perched on erect stems. The flowers are nectar-rich and attract bees. The foliage is fairly dark green and aromatic, giving off a characteristic citrus scent when crushed. The leaves are opposite, veined, and toothed, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long, often attracting insects. This plant spreads across the ground in two or three years without becoming invasive. It is very hardy and can be long-lived, provided the growing conditions are good.

In flowerbeds and borders, monarda 'Purple Lace' pairs well with summer-flowering perennials in vibrant or pastel colours. Plant it in groups of six to create a mass of flowers and combine it with orange, yellow, pink, or fuchsia-coloured loosestrifes. In late summer, 'Purple Lace' blends well with Aster lateriflorus, Campanula lactiflora, Echinaceas, and many other perennial plants. It is also suitable for planting in borders and along the edges of water features, as it thrives in moist conditions. It grows in meadows and forests. Its flowers are delightful for creating beautiful bouquets. It is worth noting that monarda contains essential oils similar to those of thyme and tea can be made from its fresh or dried leaves or flowers. The young shoots can also be used in salads or stuffing.