Monarda Leading Lady Orchid

Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

Compact and Earlier Flowering
Performing a little earlier than most Bee Balms, our leading lady takes front and center stage in early summer. Just a foot tall, the bicolor orchid-pink blossoms with lighter pink interiors will gain celebrity status with an audience of butterflies, hummingbirds and bees. With its petite stature, Monarda Leading Lady Orchid is perfectly sized to tuck in the front of any sunny border or edge a garden path. Foliage will release a spicy fragrance when crushed and can be used to make herbal tea. Bee Balm is a carefree strong-growing perennial. Deer tend to leave Bee Balm alone.

Code MOOR

Patent Pending

Plant Type Perennials

Species

Height Short 10-14"

Spacing Plant 22-28" apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Mid-Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 4-8

Soil Type Normal, Clay

Water Needs High

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Long-Blooming
  • Rabbit Resistant

Planting Sites

  • Wet Site Tolerant

Monarda General Information

Monarda are very attractive to Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds. With both fragrant foliage and colorful flowers, Bee Balm is ideal for making potpourri or herbal wreaths. Strong grower in the North, can be overpowering in Southern gardens so allow plenty of space. Erect stems support uniquely shaped flowers. All of our varieties have good to excellent mildew resistance. When crushed the foliage will release a spicy fragrance and the leaves can be used to make delightful teas. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Monarda Plant Care

Easy to grow. Divide spring or fall every 3-4 years. Thinning stems out to increase air circulation will further help prevent powdery mildew, as will keeping plants watered during dry spells. Foliage can be cut back after flowering to encourage fresh new leaves and possible late fall rebloom.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

Trustpilot