Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Grape Gumball'

Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Grape Gumball': Magenta Pops Even in Clay

'Grape Gumball' is vivid magenta with a white base, like somebody won big at the quarter machine by the grocery store exit. Globe-shaped heads on a minty, upright clump. THE PRIZE IS YOURS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Monarda hybrid
• Common Name: Bee Balm
• Series: Sugar Buzz®, from Walters Gardens
• Height: 50–60 cm (20–24 in)
• Spread: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)
• Flowers: Vivid magenta with a white base, in globe-shaped heads about 5–6 cm (2–2.5 in) across
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Dark green, mint-scented, upright clump with above-average resistance to powdery mildew
• Features: Rabbit resistant, fragrant flowers and foliage, good cut flower, tolerates clay soil and black walnut
• Plant Patent: USPP 27,498

Where to Plant: Use it in the front to middle of a sunny border, in a pollinator bed or in a large container. It tolerates clay soil and black walnut, which helps in many older city yards.

Companion Plants: Hibiscus 'Marshmallow Moon' rises to 90 to 105 cm with big white flowers from July to September, setting off the magenta blooms. Centaurea 'Amethyst in Snow' opens bicolour flowers at 30 to 40 cm from May to July, before the bee balm begins. Hemerocallis Happy Ever Appster™ 'Apricot Sparkles' brings apricot daylilies at 30 to 40 cm from June to September. The group suits full sun or part sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average to fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Full sun gives the best colour and the cleanest leaves. Water at the base in dry spells. Deadhead to keep it tidy. Cut stems to the ground in late fall or early spring. It spreads slowly by shallow runners. Divide every few years in early spring to keep it vigorous.

History: 'Grape Gumball' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from an open-pollinated seedling of one of the nursery's Monarda didyma selections in 2010. It was evaluated over the next three summers before release.

Final Thoughts: It handles clay soil and black walnut, so it goes where others won't. Deer and rabbits pass. DROP A COIN, TAKE A WIN.