Monarda Didyma Acrade

Grand Parade Scarlet Beebalm, Red Bergamot, Scarlet Beebalm

Monarda didyma Grand Parade™ ‘ACrade’ is a compact, clump-forming herbaceous perennial bee balm with aromatic, medium to dark green foliage and showy lavender-purple to magenta-purple tubular flowers held in rounded, shaggy heads. Blooming in midsummer, it gives strong bee balm color on a shorter plant, making it useful for front borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, containers, edging, and small rain-garden plantings. It was introduced by the Morden Research Centre in Canada and is noted for excellent powdery mildew resistance.

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Mature Size: 12–18 in. wide × 12–18 in. tall
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Form: Compact, rounded, clump-forming perennial
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil / Water: Average to moist, well-drained soil; medium water, best with consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: July to August; several weeks of summer bloom
Wildlife: Attracts bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for pollinator gardens, front-of-border plantings, cottage gardens, containers, edging, mass plantings, and small-space perennial beds. Its compact size makes it easier to use than taller bee balms, while the purple flower color pairs well with yellow, white, pink, silver foliage, ornamental grasses, and dark-leaved perennials.

Care:
Plant in rich to average soil with good air circulation to reduce mildew pressure. Keep evenly moist during hot, dry weather. Deadhead after flowering for a cleaner look and possible rebloom. Divide every few years in spring if clumps become crowded or develop an open center.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

12-18''

Width

12-18"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Flower color

Purple

Leaf color

Olive Drab

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Mass Planting, Moist Border

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No