Monarda 'Blue Stocking'

Hybrid Beebalm

Monarda ‘Blue Stocking’ — also listed as Monarda ‘Blaustrumpf’ BLUE STOCKING — is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial bee balm with aromatic, dark green foliage and unusual violet-blue to lavender-purple flowers. The tubular blooms are carried in rounded, shaggy flower heads on upright square stems from midsummer into late summer, bringing strong color to perennial borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized plantings. It is often noted for better powdery mildew resistance than older bee balm selections.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 18–24 in. wide × 2–3 ft. tall, occasionally taller
USDA Zones: 4a–9b
Form: Upright, clump-forming, spreading perennial
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil / Water: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; medium water, best with even moisture
Bloom Time / Length: July to August; several weeks of bloom
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for pollinator gardens, perennial borders, cottage gardens, rain-garden edges, cutting gardens, and mass plantings. The violet-blue flower color is less common in bee balm, making it useful with yellow, orange, white, purple, and silver-leaved companions.

Care:
Plant where air circulation is good to help reduce powdery mildew. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot dry periods. Deadhead to encourage a cleaner appearance and possible rebloom. Divide every few years in spring if clumps become crowded or lose vigor.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

2-3'

Width

18-24"

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Violet

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No