The Indian nettle (Monarda didyma), also known as scarlet monard or bee balm, is a bushy, clump-forming perennial. Its leaves smell wonderfully of bergamot when crushed. From July, two superimposed whorls of bright scarlet to bright red flowers appear above reddish bracts. The perennial, native to the eastern United States, grows to about 90 centimeters high and up to 45 centimeters wide. With our planting tips, you can also successfully cultivate this beautiful perennial in your garden.

A Indian nettle is a beautiful eye-catcher in the garden bed

Which location is ideal for the Indian nettle?

Indian nettles prefer a full sun to half-shade, but light location.

What should the soil be like?

The soil is optimally nutrient-rich, humic, moderately moist and permeable. Peaty soil is very suitable.

What is the Indian nettle particularly good for?

Indian nettles are robust summer bloomers for colorful perennial beds and partially shaded woody edges. The leaves can be dried and used to flavor teas. In the USA, the perennial has been cultivated in gardens as a scented and medicinal plant since the 18th century.

Which are ideal planting partners for the Indian nettle?

The Indian nettle harmonises beautifully with grasses, purple coneflowers (Rudbeckia fulgida), coneflowers (Helenium), false purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) and other prairie perennials. But it is also effective against purple-leaved trees such as the red smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria).

When is the Indian nettle best planted?

Spring is the ideal time to plant, after late frosts are no longer to be expected. In principle, however, container goods can be planted throughout the entire vegetation period.

How far apart should Indian nettles be planted?

You need about four to six plants per square meter to be planted. A distance of about 40 centimeters is ideal.

How can you multiply the Indian nettle?

Propagation is either by sowing in spring or by division either in spring or in autumn. You can also take half-ripe cuttings in early summer.

When does the Indian nettle bloom?

The Indian nettle flowers between June and September, although this can be extended by regularly removing faded shoots.

Which are recommended varieties of Indian nettle?

In addition to the scarlet Indian nettle (Monarda didyma), the late Indian nettle (also known as "wild bergamot", Monarda fistulosa) and hybrids that bloom in very different colors are commercially available. The spectrum of flowers ranges from pure white ("Snow White") to shades of pink and red ("Beauty of Cobham", "Fireball", "Thundercloud", "Prairie Fire") to deep violet ("Prairie Night", "Blue Stocking").

tips

Monarda fistulosa ("late Indian nettle") tolerates more drought than Monarda didyma and is also not as susceptible to powdery mildew.

Category:

Vegetable garden