Plant of the Week: Monarda

Like something a primary school pupil might conjure up with crayons; really quite beautiful and eye-catching. Children know best.

This is, in fact, a bergamot hybrid by the name of Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' and it's a real acquisition for any garden. Bees love it, just like they love any bergamot.

Given time and the right conditions, it will form a lovely, slightly lax clump and will flower on and off from mid-summer until autumn. The leaves are scented, so that's an added bonus.

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Like all bergamots, this one prefers a damp, rich soil, preferably in sun, but it will tolerate dappled shade. What it doesn't like is to be stuck in wet ground in winter, so make sure the site is well-drained.

Let the plant spread (it can reach 3ft in height) or prune it to keep it under control. But enjoy it for what it is – a worthy addition to any border.

YP MAG 30/10/10

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