Monarda Bradburiana Midnight Oil Plant Plug (Monarda bradburiana) – Fragrant bee balm with dark foliage and soft lavender flowers. Attracts bees and hummingbirds.
Size: 1-4" tall rooted plug (Depending on Species)
The Monarda Bradburiana ‘Midnight Oil’ (Monarda bradburiana) is a stunning, fragrant bee balm featuring deep, dark foliage and delicate lavender-pink flowers. This pollinator magnet is a must-have for any garden, attracting bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies while offering disease resistance and low-maintenance care. With its aromatic leaves and long-lasting blooms, it’s perfect for wildlife gardens, borders, and naturalized landscapes.
Why Grow Monarda Bradburiana ‘Midnight Oil’?
🌿 Striking Dark Foliage – Deep-hued leaves provide dramatic contrast in any garden.
🌸 Soft Lavender-Pink Blooms – Beautiful, delicate flowers appear in late spring to early summer.
🐝 Pollinator Powerhouse – Loved by bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
🛡️ Resistant to Powdery Mildew – Unlike some bee balms, this variety is highly resistant to common fungal issues.
🌱 Drought & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.
🌾 Fragrant & Deer-Resistant – Aromatic foliage deters deer and other garden pests.
Planting & Growing Information
- Botanical Name: Monarda bradburiana
- Common Name: Eastern Bee Balm, Bradbury’s Monarda
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Flower Color: Lavender-pink
- Foliage Color: Deep green to dark purple
- Growth Habit: Clumping, upright
- Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
- Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Maintenance: Minimal; occasional deadheading promotes more blooms
How to Grow Monarda Bradburiana ‘Midnight Oil’
- Choose a Sunny to Partially Shaded Location – Prefers 6+ hours of sun but can tolerate light shade.
- Plant in Well-Draining Soil – Thrives in moderate to dry soil; avoids waterlogged conditions.
- Water Occasionally – Once established, it needs minimal watering, making it low-maintenance.
- Deadhead for Extended Blooms – Removing spent flowers encourages additional blooming.
- Cut Back in Fall – Trim back foliage in late fall or early spring for new healthy growth.
Best Uses for Monarda Bradburiana ‘Midnight Oil’
🐝 Pollinator Gardens – Provides a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
🌾 Native & Wildflower Gardens – Perfect for naturalized plantings and meadow-style landscapes.
🌸 Perennial Borders & Cottage Gardens – Adds color and contrast in mixed plantings.
🛡️ Drought-Tolerant & Xeriscape Gardens – Great for low-water landscapes.
🌿 Fragrant Herb Gardens – Aromatic foliage makes it a pleasant addition to herb beds.
Enhance Your Garden with This Hardy, Fragrant Pollinator Favorite!
With its deep-hued foliage, soft lavender blooms, and pollinator-friendly nature, Monarda Bradburiana ‘Midnight Oil’ is an easy-to-grow, eye-catching perennial that brings color, fragrance, and life to your garden. Whether you’re looking to support wildlife, fill a drought-prone area, or add a low-maintenance beauty to your landscape, this bee balm is the perfect choice!