Overview
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner is a plant species that is native to North America. It is a member of the family Lamiaceae which includes many species used for medicinal purposes. The species is commonly referred to as lemon bee balm or purple horsemint, and is widely cultivated for its unique aroma and flavor. The plant has captured the attention of many due to its culinary and medicinal uses.Appearance
The plant is a short-lived perennial herb that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. The leaves are lanceolate, serrated, and are about 1-3 inches in length. They are aromatic, especially when crushed, and release a distinctive lemon scent. The plant produces flower heads which are pink or lavender in color and are arranged around the stem. Each head contains many tiny flowers, which attract a variety of pollinators. The blooms are visible in the late summer and early fall.Origin
The plant is thought to have originated from Western North America region, specifically from regions with dry scrubby plains and rocky slopes. The species has since spread to other parts of the continent, and its popularity has led to its cultivation in other parts of the world.Common Names
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner has many common names which include lemon bee balm, purple horsemint, lemon mint, and lemon bergamot. The common names are derived from its unique scent and flavor.Uses
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner has been used for centuries by Native Americans for culinary and medicinal purposes. The plant was used in teas to treat digestive problems such as bloating and gas. Lemon bee balm has also been used as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression and other nervous conditions. Today, Lemon bee balm is popular for its culinary uses, where it is added to teas, salads, soups, and meats as a flavoring agent. It is also used in the cosmetic industry, where it is added to soaps, shampoos, and lotions as a natural fragrance.Light Requirements
Monarda citriodora var. austromontana requires full sun to partial shade for healthy growth. It prefers a location that receives six to eight hours of sunlight per day. However, in hot summers, partial shade can be beneficial for the plant to avoid heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Monarda citriodora is native to the southern United States and can tolerate a range of temperatures from 10° to 35° Celsius. It prefers a warm climate to thrive, and in regions where winters are cold, it may die off. The plant will go dormant during the winter months, with new growth emerging in the spring.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy soil as well as clayey soil, as long as the soil does not remain waterlogged. Before planting, it is essential to amend heavily compacted soil with organic matter for good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner plants are best grown in full sunlight, but they can tolerate some shade. These plants prefer well-drained, fertile soil but are adaptable to different soil types. It is best to propagate this plant through seeds or stem cuttings and planting them in a pot or directly in the garden.
Watering Needs
The Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is essential to avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely as this may harm the plant, but care must be taken not to overwater the plant either. Watering should be done at the base of the plant, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the growth and development of Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner plants. These plants require a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is best to fertilize them once a month during the growing season. Organic fertilizers are recommended over synthetic fertilizers as they are milder and help to improve soil health.
Pruning
Pruning Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner plants is not essential, but it helps to improve the plant's form and stimulate new growth. It is best to prune the plant after it has finished flowering, and the foliage has begun to turn yellow. Cut back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the soil. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner, commonly known as lemon bee balm, is a beautiful plant native to North America. It is a member of the mint family, and its leaves have a strong citrusy fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner can be propagated from seeds, which can be collected from mature seed heads in the fall. The seeds can be planted in early spring or fall, in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 inch, and the soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes 7 to 14 days.
Cutting Propagation
Softwood cuttings are the best method for propagating Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner. Cuttings should be taken in early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 4-to-6-inch long stem from the mother plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and put the pot in a warm, bright spot, away from direct sunlight. Roots should develop in 4 to 6 weeks.
Division
Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex Lag. var. austromontana (Epling) B.L. Turner can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in spring or fall, when the plant is not actively growing. Dig up the clump of the mother plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each section has a piece of the root system. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil, water them thoroughly, and keep the soil moist until they establish.
Disease Management
Monarda citriodora var. austromontana is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
1. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a whitish-grey powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It thrives in cool, damp conditions and can cause significant damage if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, it's essential to provide good air circulation around the plant by spacing them properly. Avoid overhead watering and instead use drip irrigation. Apply fungicides such as potassium bicarbonate, wettable sulfur, or neem oil as soon as you notice signs of the disease.
2. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as brown or black circular spots on the plant's leaves. This disease can cause leaf drop, leading to stunted plant growth. Manage leaf spot by removing infected leaves and providing appropriate plant spacing to improve air circulation. Apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, sulfur-based fungicides, or neem oil to the healthy foliage to prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is caused by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria and manifests as water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The infected parts turn brown, and the plant ultimately dies. To manage bacterial blight, ensure to prune the affected parts of the plant and use a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Monarda citriodora var. austromontana is relatively pest-resistant. However, here are a few common pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that often target the undersides of the leaves, where they suck sap from the plant. This can cause leaf yellowing, curling, and eventually death. To manage spider mites, regularly spray a jet of water over the leaves and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
2. Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that often cluster on the new growth of the plant. They suck the plant's sap, causing stunted growth, curling leaves, and yellowing of the foliage. To manage aphids, spray a diluted solution of neem oil on the affected parts or use beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to eradicate them.
3. Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are tiny, black or brownish beetles that chew small holes in the leaves, causing defoliation. To manage flea beetles, apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to deter the beetle's egg-laying. Vacuuming the beetles off the plants can also help prevent further infestations.
