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Monarda 'Petite Delight' (Petite Delight Bee Balm)
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© Photo by David J. Stang, some rights reserved (CC-BY-SA) · Wikimedia Commons
Perennials

Monarda 'Petite Delight'

Petite Delight Bee Balm

Lamiaceae
North America (dwarf hybrid; Morden Research Station, Manitoba, Canada)

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageDeciduous
Height12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsDeer ResistantFragrant (moderate)Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

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 cultivar.

Native Range

Monarda 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

Distinguished from all other Monarda cultivars by the dwarf stature (12-15 inches)—the most compact commonly grown bee balm. Distinguished from 'Marshall's Delight' by the much shorter height (12-15 inches versus 2-3 feet) and the lavender-pink (versus bright pink) flower color. Distinguished from 'Raspberry Wine' and 'Squaw' by both the compact size and the lighter flower color.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple
pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~7 weeks
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Summer
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-Sep

Foliage Description

Medium green; opposite aromatic 2-3 inches; minty fragrance; on square stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsilt
Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

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

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early springfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic