Monarda 'Purple Rooster'

Monarda 'Purple Rooster': Standing Tall in Regal Bloom

Strong and statuesque, Monarda 'Purple Rooster' is known for its richly saturated, true-purple blooms that rise above dark green foliage on sturdy, upright stems. With a robust habit and exceptional mildew resistance, it commands attention in midsummer gardens while offering a feast for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, upright and clump-forming
• Flower Colour: Deep royal purple
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Dark green, aromatic, and mildew-resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates average to rich conditions

Uses and Benefits: Monarda 'Purple Rooster' is a showy vertical accent for sunny borders, native plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its bold hue and upright structure pair beautifully with both fine and bold-textured companions. The nectar-rich blooms are especially attractive to hummingbirds and native bees, while the sturdy stems resist flopping even without support—ideal for naturalistic or formal designs alike.

Companion Plants: Pair Monarda 'Purple Rooster' with Eryngium 'Blue Glitter', whose spiky texture and silvery-blue tones contrast the monarda’s broad flowers. Add Sanguisorba 'Tanna' for delicate, bottlebrush blooms that soften and echo the deep colour palette. Finish with Andropogon 'Red October', a native grass whose upright habit and deepening foliage provide dramatic late-season interest.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods. Deadhead to encourage continued bloom or leave spent flowers for winter interest. Cut back to the ground in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour and control spread.

History: Monarda 'Purple Rooster' was selected for its true purple flowers, sturdy stems, and strong resistance to powdery mildew—traits that make it one of the most dependable tall bee balms for the garden. Its name reflects both its bold colour and upright, almost proud posture.

Final Thoughts: Bold in colour, upright in form, and rich with pollinator activity, Monarda 'Purple Rooster' struts through summer borders with striking presence and effortless beauty.