Monarda 'Raspberry Wine'

Monarda 'Raspberry Wine': Rich Colour and Pollinator Allure

Lush and lively, Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' bursts into bloom with deep raspberry-red flowers that dance above bold, upright stems. A favourite among hummingbirds and gardeners alike, this midsummer standout offers robust growth, strong mildew resistance, and vibrant colour that energizes perennial borders and pollinator plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm, upright and spreading by rhizomes
• Flower Colour: Rich raspberry-red
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Deep green, aromatic leaves with excellent mildew resistance
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' makes a bold statement in cottage-style plantings, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic borders. Its richly coloured flowers are magnets for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, while the upright form adds height and structure through the summer season. Equally at home in formal designs or wild meadows, it provides long-lasting colour and excellent disease resistance.

Companion Plants: Combine Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' with Veronicastrum virginicum for airy vertical contrast and soft, elegant blooms. Add Echinacea 'Magnus Superior' to echo the rich tones and offer sturdy pollinator appeal. Weave in Panicum 'Northwind' for upright texture and subtle movement that extends interest into fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells. Deadhead after flowering to encourage fresh growth or leave seedheads for birds. Cut back in early spring and divide every 3–4 years to control spread and maintain vigour.

History: Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' is a longtime garden favourite, prized for its saturated colour, reliable garden performance, and strong resistance to powdery mildew. It’s a staple in pollinator-friendly landscapes and mixed perennial borders alike.

Final Thoughts: With its jewel-toned blooms and magnetic presence, Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' brings richness, movement, and wildlife activity to the summer garden—both striking and dependable.