What is a monarda and how to grow a flower?

Gardeners who do not know what kind of monarda is, and how to grow this flower, lose a lot. Proper planting of a flower and caring for it in the open field are no less important than describing a wild perennial bergamot. A separate actual topic is the role of this garden plant in landscape design.

Monarda can be both a perennial and an annual decorative crop. Its life form is a herbaceous plant.

The genus belongs to the family of lamines, the most famous representatives of which (and, accordingly, relatives of the monarda) are:

• basil;

• mint;

• budra;

• rosemary;

• sage;

• thyme;

• lavender;

• motherwort.

The stem of the monarda grows straight. It reaches a height of about 1 m, sometimes more, branches quite actively. Monarda leaves have a characteristic serration. They are shaped like an elongated lancet. The monard flower is small, it has a tubular-funnel-shaped shape.

One or more capitate-type inflorescences can develop on a monard. The diameter of each inflorescence is 6-7 cm. They are placed one above the other along the peduncle. The alternative name of monarda - wild bergamot - is due to the specific citrus aroma of the culture.

It blooms in July, August and most of September. At least 15 varieties of monarda are known. The pointed leaves of this plant, reaching a length of 150 mm, give attractive odors. Perennial monard forms are planted in one place for up to 7 years. The fruit of this plant is a nut, and the seeds inside it can be stored for up to 7 years.

In garden culture, the Terry tale type is very often used. It is distinguished by expressive winter hardiness and reaches a height of 0.6-0.8 m. The formation of a long horizontal rhizome is characteristic. The flowers of the Terry Tale are very rare colors - a delicate amethyst tone. All parts of the plant give off a honey-mint aroma.

Other features:

• inflorescences of the capitate type with a section of 5-6 cm;

• fast growth and good bushiness;

• excellent melliferous properties;

• suitability for mixborders;

• profuse flowering from mid-July to late August;

• suitability of dried parts for making herbal teas.

Monarda purple Purple Lace looks very attractive, which is obtained by hybridization. Leaves up to 12 cm long develop on straight tetrahedral stems. The foliage is placed in an opposite pattern and is colored in light green tones. Large bracts are colored in almost the same way as the flowers themselves. Typical flowering times are June to September.

Monarda Cardinal can confidently challenge all the plants described above. She is shade-tolerant, but at the same time she is sun-loving. It blooms from June to August inclusive.

Monarda Bee Bright also deserves attention. Its white flowers are grouped into "shaggy"-looking inflorescences. This plant is very fond of pollinating insects. Height reaches no more than 50 cm. The usual flowering period is July and August.

Sometimes on the plots there is a double monard with a height of 80-100 cm. It blooms from the second decade of July to the second decade of September. The Panorama type, which has these features, is mainly used in group disembarkation. This plant will be pleasant to plant for connoisseurs of powerful spicy aromas. The stem height is up to 90-120 cm.

Those looking to enjoy a rich blend of aromas should use the Monarda Bergamo. The smells emitted by the plant are liked not only by people, but also by bees and bumblebees. The outward appearance of the culture is very simple. Its bushes are compact, reaching a maximum of 0.5 m in height. The simplicity of growing this culture is noted.

The Beauty of Cobhem variety is notable. The tall bushes of such a monarda bloom very actively. It must be planted on clay soil. The pale pink flowers are clearly distinguished from the deep red bracts.

Attention should be paid to the specific variants of the monarda. The lemon type is perennial, growing to a height of 80 cm. It is worth noting that this is not just an ornamental, but also a gingerbread plant. The green leaves are oval in shape. There are red, white and purple flowers.

The growth of a double monarda can reach 1.5 m. It is covered with bright, mostly purple, flowers. This culture is suitable as a tea substitute. The roots are long and spreading.

The fisty look is praised for the fragrantness. He throws out white or pink flowers at a certain time. The height of such a monarda reaches 1.1 m, its adventitious roots are always well developed. The leaves are similar in shape to an oblong egg, their color is the same as that of the stems. The stems themselves are highly branched.

Different varieties need to be planted according to their own special principles. The use of both seeds and cuttings can be practiced. In some cases, the bushes are divided. For seedlings, it is advisable to use not simple containers, but pallets. A thin layer of vermiculite is scattered over the seeds, which will retain moisture and ensure germination.

The substrate should be stably warmed up to + 21 ... 22 degrees. You will have to wait about a week for the emergence of seedlings. Then the temperature is lowered carefully and without jerks to + 16 ... 18 degrees. For planting both seedlings and seeds, sunny or moderately shaded places are recommended. They should be composed of light to medium density calcareous soils.

Sour soil is improved with the addition of chalk and lime. You can even do this directly during disembarkation. Organic monarda is practically not required. Moreover, it is advised to dilute excessively fertile or thick clay soil with sand so that the greenery does not develop to the detriment of the flowers.

The acidic reaction of the earth is highly undesirable. It is also worth avoiding swampy and other waterlogged areas. Loamy and sandy loam areas are particularly suitable. Their neutral or slightly alkaline reaction is very important. The row spacing should be wide enough (up to 70 cm), but it is better to bring the holes closer together (about 30-40 cm).

The soil must be thoroughly dug up. Then a standard substrate for flower crops is poured onto the surface. Instead, you can use a combination of compost and humus (3 kg per 1 sq. M is enough). Excessively acidic soil is improved by the introduction of lime. Re-digging is recommended to achieve the highest uniformity.

Monarda loves moisture very much. The long dry period affects it very badly, and it will be more difficult to grow such a crop in the open field. In addition to deteriorating decorative properties, it harms the plant's immunity. In hot periods, watering is carried out weekly, spending 10 liters of water per 1 curtain. In extreme temperatures, even more water will be needed.In the spring and autumn months, watering is carried out less often, usually 1 or 2 times a month.

Fertilizers are needed for an ornamental culture when it is actively growing and blooming. It is necessary to feed her at home for the formation of new shoots. Fertilizing the monarda is required, finally, in preparation for winter dormancy. In the autumn months, a mixture of potassium and phosphorus is used. When the plant develops actively, foliar feeding is needed; monarda is sprayed on the leaf with mineral fertilizers and microelements.

Blossoming of inflorescences does not impair the development of new peduncles. It also has no effect on the duration of flowering. Therefore, discussions around the need to cut the monard do not stop. Its achenes are very decorative, capable of decorating a garden or flower garden in a cold season.

All cut material is thrown away with household waste or burned. Composting it or using it as mulch is unacceptable. The need to transplant a monarda arises on average 1 time in 5 years. But this indication of reference books is not always accurate, sometimes already in the 3rd year of development the curtain turns out to be too thin. The more fertile the land, the sooner the bush grows old. The fist-shaped monard degrades more slowly than the twin species.

Due to proper care, this plant can grow a lot. The division is usually carried out every 3-4 years in the spring, as soon as the first greens appear. The procedure is very simple: an area is dug in around the perimeter, which remains behind individual bushes. The rhizomes must be cut when trying to propagate the monarda. Along with rhizome, reproduction is also practiced:

• early spring cuttings;

• seeds (only for species crops, not for varietal);

• root segments;

• air layering.

Even if the flower was propagated by cuttings in the summer very successfully, attention must be paid to its safety. By default, the monard survives the effects of pathogens and is well protected from insects, but if the growing conditions are violated, there can be problems. With a stable water shortage, powdery mildew is a great danger.

Rust and tobacco mosaic damage occurs in isolated cases. And also weevils can eat monarda. But strong specimens, subject to good care, are reliably protected. Moreover, many pests are frightened off by the aromas of this culture. This effect is only enhanced by the essential oils contained in the roots.

Monarda in a flowerbed looks really attractive. With its help, it is easy to create colorful, variegated compositions. Consider the difference between tall and short varieties. Tall specimens are advised to be planted like a tapeworm. And also they are combined with low beautiful flowers as part of mixborders.

They are combined with the naturgarden style, again, not bad. Additional applications:

• eco-gardens;

• curb disembarkation;

• discount;

• flower container.

The fragrant monard grows well next to vegetables and berry bushes. In addition to being an aesthetic addition, it can also protect them from pests. Tall crop varieties mask poor looking walls and fences. In a country garden and in a grassy area, the monarda again shows itself well. If it is difficult to choose a suitable solution, you can simply drop it along the path.

Extensive opportunities in landscape design are associated with monard groups. Selection of the size of such a group and its composition is very important. A monotonous wave is created by one sort.If you use flowers of different colors, you can get the effect of a variegated rainbow. It is also allowed to use monarda for window boxes and pots. Several vases or pots in front of the entrance to the home will create a positive attitude, and good companions for this plant will be:

• phlox;

• daisies;

• daylilies;

• echinacea.