Plant Library

Less vigorous than the species, emerging with purple shoots in spring. The flower plumes are smaller than species but the deep, vibrant ruby-red colour compensates for reduced size. The blooms glow especially when backlit by sun. The seeds are considerably darker than the species.

For gardeners wanting the architectural presence of plume poppy with less aggressive spread. The purple spring shoots and ruby flowers provide superior colour. Still requires space but more manageable than typical cordata. The backlit effect is particularly striking in appropriate lighting conditions.

Finely filigreed, glossy, grass-green leaves form small fern-like clumps in early spring. Short branched stems display pure white umbels about five centimetres in diameter in late spring and early summer. Maintains attractive foliage throughout summer and fall.

Naturally occurs in sunny open meadows, usually in limestone areas, but adapts well to acidic conditions. Simply superb plant with exceptional foliage texture. The fern-like leaves and white umbels create refined presence. The persistent foliage provides interest beyond flowering period.

Deeply divided leaves emerge with bronze flush in spring before turning deep, dark, glossy green. Young plants go dormant by midsummer in first few years. After four to five years when carrot-like root builds sufficient reserves, sturdy nearly leafless stalks rise topped with large yellow-green umbels. The attractive large ribbed golden seeds extend ornamental value into fall.

Excellent in groups for large borders or as specimen for rockeries and stony banks. Resists considerable drought periods. Unlike many tall umbellifers, does not die after flowering. Native to southern Alps and Pyrenees. Takes time to establish flowering maturity but becomes impressive feature.

A long-lasting cultivar requiring minimal division over time. Features good mildew resistance and soft violet-purple colour. The excellent winter silhouette extends garden interest beyond the growing season. Plants maintain vigor without frequent intervention.

The reduced maintenance needs and mildew resistance make it more reliable than older selections. The soft purple tones work well in pastel schemes. The winter structure adds architectural interest when many perennials have collapsed. Good choice for lower-maintenance borders.

A compact cultivar with excellent vibrant colour and moderate mildew resistance. Long-blooming through summer into fall. The more compact growth makes it suitable for middle border positions. The vibrant purple provides strong colour impact.

The extended flowering period and compact habit increase its garden value. The structural seed heads persist into winter providing interest. Moderate mildew resistance is better than some older cultivars. Combines well with ornamental grasses and late summer perennials.

A chance seedling that appeared in location where mildew-plagued monarda had been removed. First flowered in summer of 2005, growing through a clematis trellis at Free Spirit Nursery.

The purple tones work well with blue and pink perennials. Like other monardas, benefits from back-of-border placement to hide potentially mildewed lower stems. Introduced by Free Spirit Nursery.

A tall, slender yet sturdy cultivar with white flowers. Upon close inspection, some blooms show faint lilac flush. The height and slender habit make it suitable for back-of-border positions where it provides vertical accents without bulk.

Like other monardas, benefits from placement toward back of borders where lower portions susceptible to mildew can be hidden by foreground plants. The white flowers provide cooling contrast in summer borders. The sturdy stems support the height without staking.

An eastern United States native blooming earlier than most monarda hybrids. Soft pink flowers appear on shorter stems in early summer. The maroon-coloured emerging foliage adds valuable early-season interest. The compact stature suits smaller spaces.

Excellent for mingling with lower grasses including sporobolus and sesleria species. The early flowering extends the monarda season backward into early summer. Native habitat preferences and compact habit make it valuable for naturalistic plantings with ornamental grasses.