Description

Monardas are showy pollinator favorites, and M. bradburiana starts the show! This is an early bloomer, and mingles beautifully with bulbs and grasses. M. bradburiana has tubular, two-lipped, pink to lavender flowers with darker purple nectar guides, square stems and toothed, gray-green foliage which has a minty fragrance when crushed. New growth is an attractive maroon color. The bloom lasts for quite a long time, and then forms a fun, rounded, long-lasting seedhead. M. bradburiana forms lovely clumps without being as aggressive as other Monardas, and is resistant to powdery mildew. Spreads by self-seeding. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Special value to native bees. Unlike many other moisture-loving Monardas, this Monarda tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought. Provide plants with good air circulation to help prevent powdery mildew. For more information on powdery mildew, please visit https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/powdery-mildew-flower-garden Height: 1-2 ft. Spread:- 1-2 ft. Growth rate: 12-16″ in two years; 18-22″ in five years Family: Lamiaceae Bloom time: May Sun: full sun to part shade Water: dry to medium Deer resistant photo credit: peganum