- How often do you have to water the Indian nettle?
- When and with what should you fertilize the Indian nettle?
- Can you cut the Indian nettle? If yes, when and how?
- What diseases are common in Indian nettle? What can you do about it?
- Is the Indian nettle hardy?
The bushy, vigorous and clump-forming Indian nettle is also known as bee balm. The perennial, which grows up to 90 centimeters tall and has the eye-catching, very colorful flowers, originally comes from the east of the USA. As a typical prairie plant, the Indian nettle is quite well adapted to dry locations, although it does not require too much care otherwise. The late Indian nettle, Monarda fistulosa, is even less sensitive.
The Indian nettle is quite easy to care for
How often do you have to water the Indian nettle?
Although Indian nettles are quite insensitive to drought, they only bloom a little in very dry times. So if you want continuous flowering, you should water regularly, especially in hot and dry summers. It is better to water the perennials vigorously once instead of just a little several times. If possible, only use rainwater.
When and with what should you fertilize the Indian nettle?
With regard to the supply of nutrients, the Indian nettle is not very demanding. Even before sprouting in spring, the plant is supplied with compost or with a complete fertilizer, whereby herbal fertilizer is best suited. The fertilizer should only contain a little nitrogen, otherwise only a few flowers will form.
Can you cut the Indian nettle? If yes, when and how?
To encourage a long and lush flowering period, you should regularly cut out faded shoots. Finally, in autumn, you can cut back the entire, yellowed perennial to just under a hand's breadth above the ground.
What diseases are common in Indian nettle? What can you do about it?
Although the Indian nettle is a very robust plant, it often has problems with powdery mildew. This mainly occurs when the plants are too dense and/or too dry. When planting, keep a distance of at least 40 centimeters and later ensure even soil moisture. The perennials should not dry out in summer and should not be too wet in winter, otherwise the roots will rot. In areas with hot, dry summers, Indian nettles are more likely to be planted in partially shaded locations. In addition, the Indian nettle is very popular with snails, whereby the young shoots in particular must be protected from the voracious animals.
Is the Indian nettle hardy?
Actually, the Indian nettle is very hardy, only young plants and specimens cultivated in tubs need winter protection.
tips
But be careful: Some new breeds - especially the hybrids - are quite sensitive to frost and should therefore be protected over the winter.