Monarda didyma, the scarlet Indian nettle native to the prairies of North America, is a hardy summer bloomer perfect for colorful perennial beds and woody borders. The perennial, also known as bee balm, does not require too much care - not even with regard to various pruning measures.

Withered and dried up should be cut off

Cut back Indian nettle before winter

It is not necessary to cut the Indian nettle into shape regularly. Instead, the plant should be cut off to just over a hand's breadth above the ground in good time before winter, as soon as all parts of the plant have dried up. Further overwintering measures are not necessary. In principle, this pruning can also be carried out in spring, but then the appropriate time must be carefully timed. If you cut back the Indian nettle too late, this can delay the budding.

cut cuttings

You can also cut cuttings in early summer and thus multiply the perennial. Preferably half-ripe shoots are used.

  • Cut off shoots about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
  • These should not bloom and also have no buds.
  • Blossoms and buds hinder rooting.
  • Make the cut at a slight angle, this will make it easier for the seedling to absorb water later.
  • Remove all but the top two leaves.
  • Use clean (if possible disinfected) and sharp scissors for cutting.
  • Plant the cuttings in potting soil.
  • Keep the substrate slightly moist.

The young, rooted Indian nettles are overwintered frost-free in the following winter and are not planted outside until spring. They also need a little winter protection for the next two to three winters, as winter hardiness has yet to develop.

Beware of powdery mildew - remove affected parts of the plant

Although the Indian nettle is a robust plant, it is quite susceptible to powdery mildew - especially if the perennials are too close together or the soil is too dry. Affected plant parts - these can be recognized by the whitish-grey coating - should be cut off immediately and carefully disposed of with the household waste. Please do not compost them, otherwise the fungus will also spread to other plants. In addition, the cutting tool should be thoroughly disinfected after use.

tips

You can also cut off the leaves of the Indian nettle and use them dried to flavor teas. Also known as "wild bergamot," the plant has an intense, citrusy scent that some have described as similar to mint.

Category:

Vegetable garden