Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise'

Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise': Bold Colour in a Petite Package

Dwarf in size but full of impact, Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise' delivers vibrant magenta-red blooms in midsummer, creating a punch of pollinator-friendly colour even in the smallest garden spaces. With excellent mildew resistance and a compact habit, this bee balm brings classic Monarda charm to patios, borders, and containers with ease.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 20–30 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, compact and mounded
• Flower Colour: Intense cerise to magenta-red
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Aromatic, dark green foliage with strong mildew resistance
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to average conditions

Uses and Benefits: Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise' is ideal for containers, edging, and the front of sunny borders, where its vivid colour and compact size can shine. Its richly coloured blooms are magnets for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, while its tidy growth and disease resistance make it low-maintenance. A perfect choice for small-space gardens, pollinator patches, or vibrant seasonal combinations.

Companion Plants: Pair Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise' with Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' to create a warm, lively palette that thrives in full sun. Add Dianthus 'Neon Star' for low-growing contrast and early-season texture. Finish with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', whose cool-toned foliage grounds the planting and balances the saturated hues.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly in dry periods, especially when grown in containers. Deadhead to prolong bloom. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigour and airflow.

History: Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise' is part of the Pardon My Series, bred for its compact habit, bold colour, and disease resistance. It was introduced as a space-saving solution for gardeners who love Monarda’s pollinator power and vibrant bloom but need a tidier footprint.

Final Thoughts: Small in stature but bold in spirit, Monarda 'Pardon My Cerise' delivers dazzling midsummer colour and pollinator magic—perfect for patios, borders, and gardens that think big in small spaces.