A Tale of Two Monardas

First there is the hybrid Monarda, 'Violet Queen.' It was one of the plants ordered using a holiday gift certificate. It did well for a while, but then one spring it caught the dreaded powdery mildew, along with two phlox. One of the phlox and this monarda got it bad, and died. This is contrary to most advice that says powdery mildew will rarely kill the plants infected.

Then, there is the native monarda, monarda fistulosa. This is a lavender-pink color, and does not grow as compactly and neatly as the hybrid. I picked this up at a master gardener plant swap. It was to become an invasive thug in my garden, spreading profusely through every winter and choking out everything in its path. Now each spring, I devote several days ripping it out, trying to limit it to a small patch.

I need to state that both are blooming now. And, the bees appear to appreciate each equally well. During my annual clean out, I transplanted several of the invasive monarda runners fron garden bed to a very steep slope, encouraging it to spread there and help hold the bank of soil in place.

And, what about the Violet Queen monarda? A good gardening friend who also received the gift certificate ordered the same monarda. Her plant continued to survive, so I received a few sprigs two years ago. I am happy to report that it is again doing very well here, even surviving the four-lined plant bug this spring.

And what about the phlox that survived? That was a shade-loving native woodland phlox. It took a big hit, but with two years of TLC, it's back on its feet. Lesson of this post: don't ignore powdery mildew. Even though it may not kill the plant, it along with other possible problems will.

Oh, and it's Pollinators Week! They don't call this bee balm for nothing.

July Bloom Day

It has been a month since the last post. No excuses are offered but another rush out the door after work today to snap a few photos hopefully makes up.

Echinacea is very thick and the goldfinches are probably drooling waiting for the seeds to be ready.

One flower finally opened on this particular zinnia, 'Oriole'. I was expecting more of an orange hue.

Pollinator-magnet liatris is nearing the end of its bloom. Funny, as it blooms from top down each stem.

Rudbeckia 'Irish Eyes' reseeded after blooming early this year. This result grew up and bloomed already - without green eyes.

This Rudbeckia hirti plant developed some brown markings.

It's not a ditch lily, but a double-ditch lily. And, it grows in semi-shade and is thriving.

My newest daylily 'Cherokee Star' seems to bloom one blossom at a time. Its location does not allow a good angle for photos.

Monarda 'Violet Queen' looks a little sparse. It probably needs more sun than it gets now.

Echinops is in varying stages of bloom. Bumblebees love it.

I love this marigold 'Tiger Eyes', and it reseeded itself true to form. Dark green, thick, lush foliage and no problems.

Cleome seeds found their way 60-feet (18 m) down the hill into a shady spot all by themselves, and grew. I let them. Anything that makes that journey deserves to live.

For the first time, a few little sky blue Platycodons germinated from last year's seeds. I guess some like the extra shot of winter.

Only five cosmos plants came up this year after the severe winter - the least number ever - but they still look full. Zucchini makes a nearby foliage plant in my front yard.

For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, check out our host at blog May Dreams Gardens.

Bloom Free or Die

Three Monarda or bee balm plants were purchased from a catalog mail order supplier about two years ago. Last year, their first, they bloomed in early summer, but after blooming, two immediately died off. Not wanting the third to disappear, it was spoiled and cared for throughout the summer like an only-child.

First, a slight mildew appeared in the summer. After heavy summer thunderstorms knocked over most of the stalks, a plant support was purchased. When trying to upright them, the stalks easily broke since they were not pliable. At the end of summer, there were no stalks, no flowers, and only a small pile of sprouts.

Either bloom or end up on the compost heap. This year, the plant came back well and is proudly blooming and standing tall. With stalks about 3 feet high (1 m), this variety does not have the petals splayed out of a center, but instead resembles a pincushion or ball. It is obediently utilizing the metal support grid purchased last year, new stalks are growing out of the base, and the universe is once again in balance.

The Monarda plant has some interesting history and uses such as tea for native Americans, floral potpourri, salad garnish, and herb for meats.

For The Record:   • Medium soil   • Full sun   • Humus manure and peat added to soil   • Bone meal added in the fall Garden Calendar:   • Blooming: Iceland poppy, calendula, purple salvia, geranium, nicotiana, monarda, daisy, coneflower