Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Monarda
'Bee-Free'
bergamot
Feel free to love this gorgeous hardy perennial for everything it has to offer. Monarda 'Bee-Free' is so rewarding, not only because pollinators like bees and butterflies absolutely relish its nectar-laden blooms. But also because it’s easy to grow, produces a bushy plant which returns every year no-matter what the winter weather throws at it (as long as it’s not below -15°C temperatures!) and it is generally what is called a ‘good do-er’. Once established, Monarda 'Bee-Free' produces multiple flowers over a long period during summer, they are vibrant pink and slightly shaggy in texture which really makes them stand out in the garden.
The stems of Monarda didyma 'Bee-Free' are strong and upright and this variety is quite compact so it’s unlikely you’ll be needing to stake it. Just cut it back at the end of the season each autumn and wait for it to do it all again the following year, it will get better and better as the years roll by. Also known as bee balm, or bergamot, you’ll discover that it is an aromatic plant, particularly when the leaves are rubbed or crushed. Over time, this perennial will form a clump which produces more stems as it grows. Then, there should be plenty for picking and displaying in a vase indoors too!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Monarda didyma 'Bee-Free' ('Mon0012bfr'ᴾᴮᴿ) (Bee-You Series)
- Flower colour
- Violet, pink
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 5 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
-
Sheltered
Exposed - Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- Yes
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Wildlife gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Fragrant
Great for shade
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Drought tolerant
Low maintenance
Attracts wildlife
-20%
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Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.
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Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
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Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
