Monarda 'Grand Parade'

Monarda 'Grand Parade': Regal Colour in a Refined Form

Compact and richly coloured, Monarda 'Grand Parade' puts on a vibrant midsummer display with dense, dome-shaped blooms in royal purple. Bred for tidiness and mildew resistance, this cultivar brings all the charm of bee balm in a garden-friendly size that fits beautifully into borders, pollinator plantings, and containers.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, compact and clump-forming
• Flower Colour: Deep lavender-purple
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Green, aromatic, with excellent resistance to powdery mildew
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: Monarda 'Grand Parade' is ideal for smaller gardens, urban borders, and mixed beds where height control and neat form are desired. Its bold, bee-friendly flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and native pollinators, while its tidy habit keeps it looking fresh throughout the season. It’s especially effective massed along the front or mid-border, where its colour and fragrance can be fully appreciated.

Companion Plants: Combine Monarda 'Grand Parade' with Salvia 'Bumbleberry' for a hummingbird-friendly duo with rich purple tones. Add Veronica 'Magic Show Purple Illusion' to extend the colour story and reinforce the upright bloom structure. Ground the planting with Festuca 'Buddy Blue', whose fine, silvery foliage cools the palette and contrasts the bold flowers with year-round texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry spells and mulch to conserve moisture. Deadhead to prolong flowering, and cut back after bloom for a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigour and airflow.

History: Monarda 'Grand Parade' was developed for its compact habit, bold colour, and resistance to powdery mildew—traits that make it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens. It retains the pollinator appeal and aromatic qualities that make Monarda a perennial favourite.

Final Thoughts: Regal in hue and effortless in form, Monarda 'Grand Parade' brings a polished splash of purple and a burst of pollinator life to the midsummer garden—compact, colourful, and full of presence.