Maureen Gilmer
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Monarda 'Blue Stocking' ('('blaustrumpf')')
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Beebalm
General Description
The popular violet-pink flowered 'Blaustrumpf', or 'Blue Stocking', is a tall German introduction that is not as blue as its name would suggest. Still, is it a lovely vigorous perennial Monarda, that adds good color to sunny summer borders.
This tall hybrid cultivar has crisp deep green leaves. In summer it produces many radial clusters of showy bright violet-pink flowers that stand tall atop strong upright stems. These draw hummingbirds and butterflies alike. The flowers are highly fragrant as is the foliage. Monarda leaves have a pungent smell that’s undesirable to browsing pests, like deer.
'Blaustrumpf' prefers full sun and requires amply drained loam that is friable and on the sandy side. It is a good perennial for sunny borders and hummingbird gardens. Good air circulation and regular watering will help deter mildew. It wanders via vigorous thin rhizomes, so requires dividing every two years or so. Deadhead to encourage continued bloom and prevent self-sowing.
Most Monarda are highly susceptible to powdery mildew but this cultivar is reportedly resistant.
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Fragrant Flowers
Yes
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
Yes
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
-
Repeat Bloomer
Yes
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
No
-
Evergreen
No
-
Showy Bark
No
