average, in moist sites they will expand rapidly becoming aggressive and invasive
Soil & Site
average
Flowers
flower head consists of tubular flowers in a single or double row whorl around the center, dark red
Leaves
opposite, pointed, have a scent
Stems
four angled
Roots
fibrous
Dimensions
12-15 inches tall
Maintenance
After blooming cut back to the ground. Cutting back eliminates the bare knee stems and the mildew laden leaves. Monarda dies out in the center and needs to be divided every 2-3 years. Dig healthy clumps and replant or dig out center and fill with compost. The plants will rapidly regrow. Should be placed behind a plant that will cover up the space left when Monarda is cut back. All Monarda are prone to get mildew but the newer cultivars are said to be mildew resistant. I doubt if any are totally resistant.
Propagation
division, cuttings
Cultivar Origin
Petite Delight originated in the Morden, Manitoba breeding program, and introduced in 1999 by Bailey wholesale nursery in Minnesota.
Misc Facts
This planted is called Oswego Tea because it was discovered by John Betram near Oswego, New York He used the leaves to make tea. The genus was named after Nicolas Monardes a 16th century botanist.
Author's Notes
I have seen this in many plantings and is definitely one of the more compact varieties of Monarda. When in bloom the plants are covers with pink flowers.
Notes & Reference
#4-Herbaceous Perennial Plants (Allan Armitage), #40-Herbaceous Ornamental Plants (Steven Stills), #79-Perennials For Every Purpose (Larry Hodgson)