Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined.
Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa, commonly known as bee balm or wild bergamot, is a herbaceous plant native to North America. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is known for its fragrant and showy flowers, as well as its medicinal properties.
Appearance
This plant typically grows to be 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, with upright stems and lance-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers grow in terminal clusters and are tubular with shades of lavender, pink, or white. Bee balm has a distinctive minty fragrance when the leaves are crushed, which also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Origin
Bee balm is native to eastern North America, ranging from eastern Canada down to Georgia and as far west as the Rocky Mountains. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woods, meadows, and prairies, and is a hardy perennial that can tolerate cold temperatures.
Uses
Throughout history, bee balm has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, including as a tea for colds, flu, and fever, and as a poultice for skin infections. It is also used as a culinary herb, with its leaves and flowers adding a pleasant tangy flavor to dishes, and has been used to make fragrant oils and perfumes.
Today, bee balm is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is commonly found in gardens and landscaping. Its eye-catching flowers and fragrant foliage make it a popular choice for attracting pollinators and adding color to outdoor spaces.
Growth Conditions for Monarda Fistulosa L. ssp. Fistulosa var. Stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. Nov. ined.
Light: This plant typically thrives in full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate shaded areas but may not bloom as well or grow as vigorously.
Temperature: Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined. is known for its cold tolerance and can survive even in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It prefers mild to warm temperatures but does not do well with extreme heat.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 to 7.5. It does best in soils that are high in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities.
Water: Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined. thrives in moist soils and requires regular watering during the growing season. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils and can suffer from root rot in such conditions.
Fertilizer: This plant does not require a lot of fertilization but can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa, also known as "Waterfall," is a hardy perennial plant that is native to North America. It thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, and is also drought-tolerant.
This plant is easy to propagate through division, stem cuttings, or seeds. It's best to propagate in the spring or fall, but division can also be done in the summer. When planting, space each plant about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
Watering needs
Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa requires consistent moisture during the first growing season to establish its root system. Once established, it can tolerate drought conditions. However, regular watering during prolonged dry spells is recommended to keep it healthy and blooming.
When watering, make sure the soil is moist but not saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and blooming, Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa should be fertilized annually in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, and follow the package instructions for application rates.
To avoid burning the plant, avoid applying fertilizer directly to its leaves or stem. Instead, spread it evenly around the plant's base and water thoroughly afterward to help the nutrients reach the root system.
Pruning
Pruning Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa is not necessary for its health, but it can help keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Deadheading spent flowers as they appear can encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
In the fall, after the first frost, the plant can be cut back to a few inches above the ground. This will help protect it from harsh winter weather and promote new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined.
The propagation of Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., can be done in several ways. Some of the methods of propagation are:
Seed Propagation
One way to propagate Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., is through seeds. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture. They should be placed on top of the soil and lightly covered with additional soil. It is important to keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
Seeds of Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., can be collected in the fall when the seed heads have dried and turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time arrives.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation of Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., is through division. Divisions of the plant can be made by digging up the plant and cutting it into sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a good root system.
The best time to divide Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., is in the early spring before new growth begins. Divisions should be replanted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept moist until they become established.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa (Waterfall) Scora, comb. nov. ined., is also possible. Cuttings of the plant should be taken in the early summer when the stems are still soft and green. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-drained soil mixture. They should be kept moist until they show signs of rooting. Once they have rooted, they can be replanted into individual containers or directly into the garden.
Disease Management
Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa can be affected by various fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot.
To prevent powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good airflow around the plants. Proper spacing, pruning, and avoiding overhead watering helps to achieve adequate air circulation. Fungicides like sulfur, neem oil, and potassium bicarbonate can be used to control powdery mildew.
Downy mildew can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overhead watering. Copper-based fungicides, potassium bicarbonate, and neem oil are effective against downy mildew.
Leaf spot can be prevented by keeping the plant foliage dry. Overhead irrigation should be avoided, and proper spacing ensures adequate air circulation. Fungicides like copper-based and azoxystrobin are effective in controlling leaf spot.
Pest Management
Monarda fistulosa L. ssp. fistulosa var. stipitatoglandulosa can be attacked by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To control aphids, the use of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides can be effective. Aphids can be managed by attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on them.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause serious damage to the plant. They can be controlled using miticides, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Water sprays and maintaining high humidity levels also help to manage spider mites.
Thrips can be managed by using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad-based insecticides. Sticky traps and yellow-blue sticky cards also help to catch and control thrips.
