Though dwarf in size, Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm, Monarda features showy, full-sized cherry pink flowers. From mid through late summer, dark cherry pink flowers adorn the garden with brilliant color. Though the plant may be dwarf, the flowers are the same size as taller selections, measuring a full 2½-3″ across. A compact, bushy selection, it only grows a little more than a foot tall. Its petite nature makes it ideal for the front of the garden or in containers.

Native Monarda can be found along riverbanks, where it thrives in rich, organic, moist soil. However, it will also grow in average soil. Full sun is best, but light shade is tolerated. Plants will spread more quickly in the shade. Pardon My Cerise Bee Balm will multiply rapidly either by underground stems or self-sowing. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the bloom time.

Powdery mildew is a common fungal problem with Monarda. Yet Pardon My Cerise Bee Blam is more resistant to it than others. To prevent this fungus from appearing, large clumps should be thinned out so that the air circulates freely around them. Ideally, keep the soil consistently moist; dry soil promotes powdery mildew. Deer and rabbit resistant. Its aromatic foliage smells like mint and can be used to flavor teas.

A pollinator powerhouse! The flowers’ sweet nectar attracts hoards of hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden.

Growing instructions: Plant Bee Balm in average to rich soil in full sun. Keep watered, especially when plants are setting up buds and blooming.