Monarda 'Midnight Oil'

Monarda 'Midnight Oil': Smoky Plum Splendour

A dramatic addition to the summer garden, Monarda 'Midnight Oil' offers deeply saturated, smoky-purple blooms atop strong, upright stems. Its rich colour and tidy clumping habit make it a striking focal point in pollinator plantings. Aromatic, dark green foliage resists deer and deters pests, while the long-lasting flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Excellent mildew resistance and compact form make it especially well-suited to smaller gardens or the front to mid-border.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Smoky plum to dark violet
• Flowering Period: July to August
• Foliage: Dark green, aromatic leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for pollinator gardens, naturalistic borders, and mixed beds where both form and function matter. Its compact size and vibrant colour make it a strong design element, while its abundant nectar attracts a wide array of beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Strong disease resistance ensures consistent summer performance.

Companion Plants: Pair with Achillea 'Saucy Seduction', Veronica 'Magic Show Purple Illusion', and Deschampsia 'Northern Lights' for a richly textured, colour-coordinated planting that thrives in sunny sites.

Care Instructions: Provide full sun for best flowering and mildew resistance, though it tolerates light shade. Water regularly in the first season, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Deadhead to encourage prolonged bloom. Cut back to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and airflow.

History: Monarda 'Midnight Oil' is a modern hybrid bred for intense colour and improved disease resistance. It combines native resilience with garden-worthy refinement, offering a darker twist on a perennial classic.

Final Thoughts: With its smouldering colour and compact frame, Monarda 'Midnight Oil' brings a bold yet refined presence to summer borders. A true standout for pollinator appeal and visual drama.