Monarda 'Gardenview Scarlet' (Bergamot)

£7.99

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: July to September
Hardiness: fully hardy
Bright red, long-lasting, tufted flowers are surrounded by a ruff of pale green bracts that have pink tips, which turn bronze shades after the flowers have faded. This new variety has an even more intense flower colour than 'Cambridge Scarlet', and is a vigorous grower that has better resistance to mildew than most. Perfect for adding late colour to a hot border, it will also work well in prairie style gardens when planted in association with ornamental grasses. The bees and butterflies will flock to it during the flowering period. Garden care: Most monardas can be capricious, and do not like soil that is either too damp or too dry. These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, and while this rarely causes long-term damage, it can look unsightly towards the end of the summer. You can help reduce this by applying a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around each plant. Resist cutting bergamot back in autumn, since the stiff, vertical stems look good all winter.

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