Monarda 'Petite Delight'
petite delight bee balm
North America (dwarf hybrid; Morden Research Station, Manitoba, Canada)
Overview
Monarda 'Petite Delight' is a compact, clump-forming, deciduous perennial reaching 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a dense, mounding habit. This dwarf hybrid cultivar was bred at the Morden Research Station, Manitoba, Canada—a sister selection to 'Marshall's Delight'—for compact size combined with powdery mildew resistance. The opposite, aromatic leaves are 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, medium green, with a minty fragrance when crushed. Tubular, two-lipped flowers are borne in dense terminal whorled heads 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across, lavender-pink, from July to September. Square stems. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 3. Spreads by stoloniferous rhizomes but less aggressively than taller cultivars. The most compact commonly grown Monarda spp. cultivar.
Native Range
Monarda spp. species are native to North America. 'Petite Delight' is a dwarf hybrid cultivar developed at the Morden Research Station, Manitoba, Canada.Suggested Uses
Planted in border fronts, containers (minimum 3-gallon), rock gardens, or edging at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. The compact 12-15 inch stature suits positions where standard bee balm cultivars are too tall. Mildew resistant. Spreads by rhizomes. Requires consistent moisture. Not suitable for dry sites or heavy shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Tubular, two-lipped flowers in dense terminal whorled heads 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) across, lavender-pink, from July to September. Bloom duration is 6-8 weeks. Deadheading can encourage secondary bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lavender-pink; dense terminal whorled heads 1.5-2 inches; tubular two-lipped; Jul-SepFoliage Description
Medium green; opposite aromatic 2-3 inches; minty fragrance; on square stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Hardy to zone 3. Full sun for densest habit. Requires consistent moisture. Good air circulation reduces disease pressure. Divide every 2-3 years. Spreads by rhizomes but less aggressively than taller cultivars.Pruning
Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage secondary bloom. Cut all stems to ground level in late autumn or early spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons