Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' Care Guide

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet', commonly known as Bee Balm, is a vibrant perennial loved for its striking red flowers, aromatic foliage, and pollinator-friendly nature. This hardy, clump-forming plant brings a bold splash of color to borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style plantings. It is particularly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a fantastic choice for enhancing biodiversity in any garden.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Monarda didyma 'Cambridge Scarlet'
• Common Name: Bee Balm 'Cambridge Scarlet'
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Size: Grows 80–100 cm (32–40 inches) in height and spreads 50–60 cm (20–24 inches)
• Foliage: Aromatic, deep green, lance-shaped leaves
• Flower Color: Bright scarlet-red, tubular flowers in dense, shaggy clusters
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer (July to September)
• Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 4–9
• Growth Habit: Upright, bushy, and clump-forming

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for best flowering but tolerates partial shade, particularly in hot climates.
• Soil Preferences: Thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Adding organic matter such as compost improves soil quality.
• Watering Needs: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods. Soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Temperature and Humidity: Hardy to frost and can withstand a range of temperatures. However, it prefers moderate humidity and good air circulation to prevent mildew.
• Fertilization: Benefits from an application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage lush growth and abundant blooms.

Planting and Maintenance

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures.
• Spacing: Space plants 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart to ensure good air circulation and reduce disease risk.
• Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming and cut back stems in autumn after flowering to tidy up the plant.
• Dividing Clumps: Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or autumn to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate growth.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and water at the base to reduce the risk.

Benefits and Uses

• Attracts Pollinators: A magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Fragrant Foliage: Leaves have a pleasant, minty aroma and can be used in teas or potpourri.
• Ornamental Value: Adds bold, eye-catching color to mixed borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings.
• Cut Flowers: Makes an excellent choice for fresh floral arrangements with long-lasting, fragrant blooms.
• Herbal and Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used in herbal remedies for its antimicrobial and soothing properties.

Potential Issues and Solutions

• Powdery Mildew: A common issue in humid conditions. Improve air circulation, water in the morning at the base of the plant, and remove affected leaves promptly.
• Leggy Growth: If stems become tall and floppy, provide light staking or pinch back young shoots in spring to encourage bushier growth.
• Poor Flowering: Ensure the plant is receiving adequate sunlight and not being overfed with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which promote excessive foliage at the expense of blooms.

Propagation Methods

• Division: The easiest method. Divide established clumps in early spring or autumn, ensuring each section has strong roots before replanting.
• Stem Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in spring, place them in moist soil, and keep them in a warm, bright area until rooted.
• Seed Propagation: Sow seeds in spring after the last frost, though division is preferred for maintaining true-to-type characteristics.

Companion Planting

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' pairs well with a variety of other garden plants, including:

• Echinacea (Coneflower) – Adds complementary purple tones and attracts pollinators.
• Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Offers a striking contrast with its golden-yellow blooms.
• Salvia – Provides a mix of blue and purple hues, enhancing the garden’s color palette.
• Lavender – A drought-tolerant companion that thrives in similar conditions.
• Phlox – Combines beautifully with Monarda for a cottage garden look.

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering bold color, fragrant foliage, and pollinator-friendly blooms. With proper care and maintenance, it will reward gardeners with vibrant flowers and a lively, biodiverse outdoor space year after year

• Size
  2L

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.