Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet')

Botanical name

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Other names

Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet', Bee balm 'Cambridge Scarlet', Beebalm 'Cambridge Scarlet', Oswego tea 'Cambridge Scarlet'

Genus

Monarda Monarda

Variety or Cultivar

'Cambridge Scarlet' _ 'Cambridge Scarlet' is an upright, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with lance-shaped, pointed, toothed, aromatic, dark green leaves, often flushed bronze, and erect stems bearing dense, whorled clusters of tubular, two-lipped, scarlet flowers in summer.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Leaves are aromatic.

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect flower stem, Upright

Colour

Flower

Scarlet in Summer; Scarlet in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Cut to the base in autumn.

Propagation

Divide every three years.

Propagation methods

Division, Basal cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet') will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Prairie planting, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in humus-rich, moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Do not allow to dry out in summer. Protect from winter wet.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Monarda 'Cambridge Scarlet' (Bergamot 'Cambridge Scarlet')

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/