Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

In the South, mildew loves the foliage of Monarda. However, this variety was discovered down in the deep southern town of Tylertown, MS, and selected for its resistance to powdery mildew. The flowers are soft lavender and appear on 3-4' plants. Niche Gardens

The Problem : one of main diseases of important genera such as these white powdery growth covering leaves, severe causes leaf drop, affects vigor and resistance to stress over time, less attractive for sales.

Management Options

Host resistance: select resistant cultivars (see below)
Eradication: keep debris, dead leaves removed
In greenhouses: decrease humidity through air flow, air exchange, proper watering
In outdoor production: use proper spacing, fungicides
In landscapes: thin stems and increase spacing for more air movement, water early in day when leaves will dry quickly
Begin scouting early in season (Memorial Day), begin application of sprays at onset of disease, continue through season if weather is conducive for disease. http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/pubs/coh39mildew.htm

Wild bergamot is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) that contains at least 3500 species worldwide. Lamium is an old Latin name of a nettle-like plant mentioned by Pliny. The family is noted for its fragrant oils (lavender, rosemary, mint, horehound, thyme etc). Monarda is a North American genus of about 15-20 species of which only one occurs in North Dakota. The genus was dedicated by Linnaeus to Nicolas Monardes (1493-1588), Spanish physician-botanist and author of many tracts about useful New World plants. The specific name fistulosa means "tubular" in botanical Latin, in reference to the flowers.
The species was named by the famous Swedish botanist Carl von Linne (Linnaeus) in his monumental Species Plantarum of 1753, the earliest accepted work on modern plant taxonomy. (http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/wild1.htm)

Growing and Maintenance Tips

M. fistulosa can be found in rocky meadows, thickets and glade margins. Prefer dry to moist, organically rich, well-drained soil in full to part sun. More prolific in full sun. This species is more tolerant of drought and powdery mildew than others. Needs good air circulation. Has creeping rhizomes that usually form in clumps. Propagated by seed and division every 2-3 years. Best used in wild gardens or in naturalized areas.