High Quality Monarda Plants For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Monarda Plants

Growing perennial plants delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They attract birds and bees
• Greater biodiversity is created
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• They bring colour and vibrance to a space
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have a wide range of Bee Balm plants of all sizes that are ready for their new home. We are here to help you find the right plant for your space. Choose from a wide variety of locally grown plants that have been propagated and bred to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Monarda plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Monarda

1. Where is the best place to plant Monarda?

The best place to plant Monarda (bee balm) is in a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has moist but well-drained soil. They can tolerate some drought once established, but they will prefer regular watering during hot, dry weather. Monarda are also sensitive to root rot, so it is important to avoid planting them in areas where water tends to pool. Here are some additional tips for choosing a planting location for Monarda:

• Soil: Monarda prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can add sand to improve drainage.
• Sun: Monarda will grow best in full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. If you are planting Monarda in a location with partial shade, make sure that they receive at least six hours of direct sun per day.
• Water: Monarda are moderately drought tolerant once established, but they will need to be watered regularly during their first year in the garden. Once they are established, they will only need to be watered during periods of hot, dry weather.
• Space: Monarda can grow to be 30-75 cm tall and the same wide, so it is important to choose a planting location that has enough space for them to mature. A good rule of thumb is to plant them 60 cm apart.

2. Which Monarda is best?

There are many Monarda species and cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular and best-rated Monarda:

• Monarda fistulosa: This species is known for its tall, sturdy stems and clusters of showy, tubular flowers. It is a long-blooming plant that flowers for several weeks in summer. Monarda fistulosa is a good choice for borders, wildflower gardens, and cottage gardens.
• Monarda didyma: This species is known for its large, fragrant flowers that can be red, pink, purple, or white. It is a shorter-lived plant than Monarda fistulosa, but it is still a prolific bloomer. Monarda didyma is a good choice for containers, borders, and wildflower gardens.
• Monarda citriodora: This species is known for its lemon-scented foliage and purple flowers. It is a heat-tolerant plant that is also resistant to mildew. Monarda citriodora is a good choice for containers, borders, and herb gardens.
• Monarda punctata: This species is known for its spotted flowers that can be red, pink, purple, or white. It is a vigorous plant that can spread quickly. Monarda punctata is a good choice for borders, wildflower gardens, and naturalizing.

These are just a few of the many Monarda species and cultivars that are available. When choosing a Monarda, be sure to consider the size, colour, and hardiness of the plant. You should also consider the amount of sun and shade that the plant will receive. With proper care, any of these Monarda can be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your garden.

3. Is bee balm the same as Monarda?

Yes, bee balm is the common name for the Monarda genus of plants. They are native to North America and are known for their attractive flowers and fragrant leaves. Bee balm is a popular choice for pollinator gardens, as it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They can also be used as an herbal tea or infused oil. Bee balm is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in most gardens.

4. What are some benefits of growing Bee Balm?

Some of the benefits of planting bee balm in your garden are:

• Bee balm is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This is because the flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, which are essential food sources for these pollinators.
• Bee balm provides shelter and food for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. This helps to create a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
• Bee balm has fragrant leaves that release a pleasant scent when crushed. This can add a touch of fragrance to your garden.
• The flowers of some bee balm species can be eaten fresh or used in cooking. They have a citrusy flavor and can be added to salads, teas, or desserts.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance, attractive, and pollinator-friendly plant to add to your garden, then bee balm is a great choice. With its fragrant flowers, edible leaves, and ability to attract pollinators, bee balm is sure to become a favourite in your garden.

5. Are bergamot and Monarda the same?

No, bergamot and Monarda are not the same. Bergamot is a citrus fruit that is native to Southeast Asia, while Monarda is a genus of flowering plants that is native to North America. Bergamot is known for its fragrant oil, which is used in perfumes and flavorings. Monarda is known for its showy flowers and fragrant leaves, which are used in herbal teas and tinctures.

6. Which monarda is best for bees?

All Monarda species are highly attractive to bees, but some of the best choices for bee gardens include:

1. Monarda didyma (Bee Balm): This species is a classic choice for bee gardens due to its large, showy flowers that produce abundant nectar and pollen. It blooms from mid-summer to early autumn and comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, purple, and white.
2. Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot): This species is known for its fragrance and adaptability to different growing conditions. It blooms from early summer to mid-autumn and produces clusters of lavender or purple flowers.
3. Monarda citriodora (Lemon Bee Balm): This species has lemon-scented foliage and produces pink or purple flowers. It blooms from mid-summer to early autumn and is a good choice for containers or borders.
4. Monarda punctata (Spotted Bee Balm): This species has distinctive spotted flowers that can be red, pink, purple, or white. It blooms from mid-summer to early autumn and is a good choice for borders or wildflower gardens.
5. Monarda penstemonoides: This species has narrow, tubular flowers that are red or orange in colour. It blooms from mid-summer to early autumn and is a good choice for borders or wildflower gardens.

When selecting Monarda for your bee garden, consider the available space, soil conditions, and desired flower colour. All of these species are relatively easy to grow and provide valuable resources for bees and other pollinators.

7. Is bee balm in Earl Grey tea?

No, bee balm is not in Earl Grey tea. The distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea comes from bergamot oil, which is derived from the rind of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia). Bergamot is a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, and it is not related to bee balm (Monarda didyma), which is a flowering plant native to North America.

The misconception that bee balm is in Earl Grey tea likely stems from the fact that bee balm has a similar scent to bergamot. Both plants contain terpenes, which are organic compounds that give them their distinctive aromas. However, the specific terpenes found in bee balm and bergamot are different, and this results in different overall scents.