Monarda 'Fireball'

Monarda 'Fireball': Scarlet Spark in a Compact Form

Vibrant and fiery, Monarda 'Fireball' delivers bold scarlet blooms atop a compact, well-branched frame, igniting the summer garden with colour and pollinator activity. This mildew-resistant cultivar brings the classic bee balm energy to smaller spaces without sacrificing the drama.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, dense and upright
• Flower Colour: Bright scarlet red
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Aromatic green leaves with strong mildew resistance
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to light shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates average garden soil

Uses and Benefits: Monarda 'Fireball' is perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or the front of mixed borders where intense colour and pollinator appeal are desired. Its compact habit keeps it tidy even in tighter spaces, while its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in abundance. With excellent mildew resistance, it stays fresh-looking through summer’s heat and humidity.

Companion Plants: Combine Monarda 'Fireball' with Coreopsis 'Hot Paprika' for a fiery midsummer duet that celebrates heat and bold colour. Introduce Hemerocallis 'Red Hot Returns' to echo the red tones with repeat blooms and graceful foliage. Anchor the design with Panicum 'Shenandoah', whose deep red-tinged blades complement the flower tones and bring airy texture to the scene.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch to retain moisture. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering. Cut back in fall or early spring. Divide every 3 years to maintain vigour and airflow, which also helps prevent disease.

History: Monarda 'Fireball' is a cultivated selection developed for its compact size, vivid red flowers, and strong resistance to powdery mildew—traits that make it ideal for urban gardens and small-space pollinator designs.

Final Thoughts: With brilliant blooms and a compact, carefree form, Monarda 'Fireball' brings a burst of scarlet and a feast for pollinators—perfect for gardeners who want bold beauty in a small footprint.