Monarda Leading Lady Plum

Leading Lady™ Series Bee Balm, Bergamot, Oswego Tea

$15.95 ea.

Order more to save! 3+ for $15.50 ea.

Ships Spring 2025 to

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Pleasing Two-Tone Effect

Spiky magenta-purple flowers, nature’s version of a fireworks’ finale, explode into bloom amidst the well-branched foliage. Blossoms, with age, sport a deeper wash for a pleasing two-tone effect. Monarda Leading Lady Series are carefree, strong growers. Performing a little earlier than most Bee Balms, our Leading Ladies take center stage in early summer. Just about a foot tall, the blossoms will gain celebrity status with an audience of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees; but deer tend to refrain from nibbling. With its petite stature, they are 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.

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Code MOPM

Patent PP26,447

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 Features

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