Tips for breeding and caring for monard in the open field. People's opinions about this flower

Monarda - an ornamental plant, a representative of the Yasnotkov family. Scientists consider North America to be the birthplace of the flower. After the discovery of America by Columbus, the plant was brought to Spain. Europeans learned about the existence of the monarda from the book of Monardes. The genus was named by Karl Linnaeus in honor of the botanist Nicholas Monardes, he described plants unknown to anyone at that time, which were discovered in America, the book was published in 1574. The author described the flower, calling it "Canadian Origan", as well as "Verginsky soul". Unfortunately, soon they forgot about the outlandish flower, they remembered only a century later. Monarda began to be grown as an essential oil plant. Its extract began to be added to antiseptics for the oral cavity.

Monarda is a straight stem with jagged green leaves and small flowers of a light purple hue (see photo).

Monarda herb has a pleasant bergamot scent; it is used as a surrogate for tea.

The Indians prepared a special drink from the leaves of this plant. The English name for this tea is Oswego tea. The drink resembled mint tea, it was used to treat stomach pains, and was used as an antipyretic agent. Also, the Indians used the monarda as drug... They used it to heal small wounds as an antiseptic. Tea has been used to treat the throat and mouth. The plant contains the substance thymol, which is included in the most modern facilities for the care of the oral cavity. The Indians used the herb of the plant as a tonic and also as a carminative.

Until the early 19th century, Monarda was cultivated as "bergamot", due to the similarity of its aroma with this citrus plant.

Monarda varieties

There are about 15 varieties of representatives of the genus Monarda, among which there are both annual and perennial specimens. The most famous varieties are:

More than 50 hybrids have been bred on the basis of these varieties. They have a wide palette of shades and a wonderful aroma.

Growing: planting and care

This plant is often grown in flower beds.

Thanks to the rich color palette Monarda will become the highlight of the entire flower bed, and its unique aroma will attract not only people, but also bees.

Monarda will make the flower garden textured and fragrant. It will look especially beautiful against the background of wormwood, yarrow and other plants. This decorative flower will highlight the beauty of roses of various shades. Monarda can be grown not only in open groundbut also in pots. For example, you can place a flower pot on a sunny terrace. This is how the magical citrus aroma of Monarda will contribute to a pleasant pastime. The plant also attracts butterflies, but repels harmful insects. The greatest decorativeness of the plant is observed during the flowering period.

Monarda prefers fertile soil... It is recommended to select a soil for planting that retains moisture well. it moisture-loving plant, so regular watering is very important for him.Monarda propagates with the help of seeds, as well as dividing the bush. Care consists of abundant watering, thinning and feeding. Perennial monarda perfectly tolerates a cold snap, it belongs to winter-hardy plants.

Collection and storage

The monarda is harvested during flowering, the flowering tops are cut and dried in the shade, tying them into bunches. The dried stems, along with flowers, are used to prepare tea drinks, medicines, and flower arrangements.

Beneficial features

Beneficial features monards are due to her chemical composition... Monarda is rich in essential oils, vitamins B1, B2, C. Essential oil has bactericidal activity, it can be used to prevent acute respiratory diseases. The highest content of essential oil in monard double, Indians used this type of plant for medicinal purposes. They rinsed their mouths with broths, healed wounds. In order to disinfect the wound, it is enough to knead a leaf of the plant and apply it to the sore spot, or treat the wound with monarda juice. The oil of this plant was used in case of damage to the body by Salmonella. Monarda can be used to prepare therapeutic inhalation for ENT diseases.

Cooking applications

In cooking, monardu has found application in the preparation of surprisingly delicious tea drinks. So, just a few leaves of this plant will give your tea a pleasant lemon scent.

In America, monarda is often used as a seasoning for meat.

The plant has long been valued as a useful spice, it was put in dishes in order to improve digestion. It is also customary to add monarda leaves when preserving vegetables: it gives them an original smell and taste.

The benefits of monarda and treatment

The benefits of this plant have long been known. folk medicine... Monarda is considered one of better means to combat mold. Mold can cause allergic reactions, bronchial asthma. The harm of mold is due to the fact that some of its types produce toxic compounds that disrupt the normal life of the body. Immunity and susceptibility to mold in different people can be completely different, which means that the consequences can also be different.

Monarda is a proven remedy that completely suppresses the growth of black mold.

In folk medicine, the plant is also used to prepare a medicine for colds, headaches. For this, 1 tbsp. l. raw materials pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist. Take half a glass of infusion 4 times a day. This infusion is effective for bloating and also as an expectorant. Outwardly, the infusion is used to disinfect wounds and burns. The plant is recommended for vaginitis, cystitis. It is also effective for eczema, pneumonia, psoriasis, anemia, atherosclerosis.

The oil extract of monarda has long been used for medicinal purposes. You can get it even at home, for this you need to place dry plant in a bottle with vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:10, mix the resulting oil and heat in a water bath to 60 degrees for 2 hours. The filtered oil can be used for a cold (a few drops of oil are instilled into the nasal passages), and it can also be used to treat wounds.

Monarda harm and contraindications

The plant can cause harm to the body with individual intolerance. Before using Monarda as a medicine, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. It is contraindicated to use the plant for pregnant women, children under 3 years old.

Monarda double (wild bergamot) is a perennial herbaceous upright plant of the Lamb family with a scent reminiscent of bergamot. In the wild, the monard is common in North America, and in other countries it is grown in gardens and vegetable gardens as an ornamental and medicinal plant... Young shoots of monarda are used for food: they are added to soups and meat dishes as a seasoning, to salads as an independent ingredient, and even brewed in the form of tea.

Blank

Medicinal raw materials are young shoots of monarda double. Harvesting is done at the beginning of the flowering plant. Shoots are cut and dried, removing thick, rough stems, in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct sunlight. The prepared raw materials are stored in closed glass jars for up to three years. Dried raw materials should be crushed immediately before use.

Composition and scope

Monarda double contains substances such as: essential oil, thymol and other phenols, vitamins C, B1, B2 and others useful material... The aroma of Monarda essential oil is reminiscent of the smell of thyme.

Monarda double has antimicrobial, tonic, antispasmodic, carminative and restorative effects.
Monarda treatment is recommended for:

colds, bronchitis, tracheitis, bronchial asthma;
cardiac neuroses;
rheumatism (rubbing);
spasms and colic;
dysfunction of the menstrual cycle;
seborrhea, acne, peeling of the skin (externally);
burns, wounds on the skin, eczema (externally);
hair loss (externally).

Recipes

Infusion:

2 tbsp herbs monarda;
1 tbsp boiling water.

Grind the plant materials and pour boiling water over it in a thermos. Let the drink sit for 10 hours. Strain. Take warm 1/4 3-4 times a day. The infusion can be used for gargling for sore throats and colds.

Infusion for salmonellosis:

2 tbsp monards;
2 tbsp. boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the crushed raw materials, let it brew under the lid until it cools. Strain and drink in small portions throughout the day.
Infusion for external use:

5 tsp herbs monarda;
250 ml boiling water.

Chop the herb, pour boiling water over and let it brew under the lid for 20 minutes. Strain the finished infusion, cool and use to wipe the inflamed skin and wounds. Also, this infusion can be used as a tonic or face lotion.

For early healing, wounds can be wiped with freshly squeezed monarda juice.
Monarda tea:

2 tbsp herbs monarda;
250 ml boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the monarda, let it brew for 30 minutes and drink the finished drink as tea. If desired, you can add honey to this tea to taste.
You can add monarda to regular - black or green - tea in the ratio: 1 part of herb, 2 parts of tea. This tea should be brewed in the usual way and infused for 5-7 minutes.
Broth for inhalation:

3 tbsp dry herb monarda;
500 ml of boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the chopped herb, put on fire, bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Strain the finished broth and use for 15-minute inhalations.

Monarda oil:

1 part of monarda leaves;
10 parts refined vegetable oil.

Grind the leaves, add oil to them and put the resulting mixture in a water bath for 2 hours. The desired temperature should be 60 ° C. Then cool the oil, filter. This oil is used to treat wounds, eczema. Also, oil is instilled into the nose with a cold.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of monarda double are:
children under 6 years old;
pregnancy and lactation;
individual intolerance and allergic reactions.

Monarda (lat.Monarda) is a genus of perennial and annual grasses of the Labiate or Lamb family, which includes about 20 species. In Europe, monarda began to be grown as an essential oil crop, and by the 19th century it became widely known throughout the world under the names bergamot, lemon mint, or American lemon balm.

Monarda bergamot is a perennial or annual rhizome plant with straight or branched stems up to one and a half meters high, with oblong-lanceolate straight serrated and often fragrant leaves, as well as small, fragrant two-lipped flowers of white, purple, red, yellowish color, sometimes even speckled, collected in dense capitate or racemose inflorescences up to 6-7 cm in diameter, which are most often located on the stem one above the other. The fruit of the monarda is a nut, the seeds ripening in it remain viable for three years. On one site, the monarda is grown for 5-7 years. Monarda attracts not only by the color of the flowers, but also by its amazing aromas. It is used as a spice in cooking, added to tea, and it is good as a honey plant.

Monarda growing from seeds

In the southern regions, monarda seeds are sown directly into the ground on fine days in February, where they undergo natural stratification during two cold months, as a result of which friendly strong shoots appear in April, which will only be thinned out. If there is snow on the site, remove it, cover the area with a film so that the earth warms up, then loosen the soil by adding upper layer some sand and, mixing seeds with sand in a ratio of 1: 4, sow them. From above, the seeds are also slightly covered with sand. The seeding depth should be no more than 2.5 cm. It is possible to sow in the ground in the fall, immediately after collecting the seeds, and in the spring only open the seedlings, then after a year the grown and strengthened bushes will bloom. Monarda rises very slowly.

Seedling monarda
However, most often the monarda is grown in seedlings. In order to get monarda seedlings by spring, they are sown in January or February in boxes with soil for vegetable crops, covering the seeds by 2-2.5 cm, and placed in a greenhouse, maintaining the temperature under the film at least 20 ºC. Seedlings appear in three weeks, and after another three weeks the seedlings dive into containers according to the 3x3 or 4x4 scheme in order to increase the feeding area for them.

Monarda planting in open ground

When to plant a monard
Planting and caring for a monard in the open field is not difficult. Monarda prefers to grow in a sunny place protected from the wind, although it feels good in partial shade. It is not picky about soils, but grows best on light, calcareous soils, and in moist and acidic soil monarda is developing badly. It is best to plant a monarda in the spring, however, a site for it is prepared in the fall: they dig it up, clearing weeds, and adding 2-3 kg of peat, manure or compost to each m², 20-30 g of potassium salt, 40-50 g of superphosphate and 40 g of lime. In the spring, before planting, 20-30 g of nitrogen fertilizer is applied to the soil for each m².

How to plant a monarda
Two months after the emergence of seedlings, when they have three pairs of leaves, the seedlings are planted in a prepared area at a distance of at least 60 cm from each other. Planting monarda ends with abundant watering. Lungs spring frosts up to -5 ºC, the seedlings tolerate painlessly. Monarda from seeds usually blooms only after a year, but with the seedling method, the most developed specimens can bloom already in the current year.

In fields and meadows, in gardens and flower beds, a delicate lilac flower with a subtle citrus scent, which is called monarda, grows. Latin name Monarda.

This name unites a whole botanical genus of herbs and belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

The name of this genus was given by the Swedish naturalist and physician of the 18th century Carl Linnaeus in honor of the Spanish scientist and physician of the 16th century Nicholas Monardes, who published in 1574 a work on the new plants of America.

Monarda flower has a delicate citrus scent

Appearance

In the ranks of the varieties of the genus Monarda, there are also annuals and perennials.

Here is a list of the main external characteristicsinherent in the entire botanical genus:

Stems are straight and branched. Reach up to 15 cm - 150 cm.
The leaves are lanceolate and light green in color. The location is opposite. The length reaches from 6 to 15 cm, and the width is from 3 to 8 cm. The ends of the leaves are pointed.
Inflorescences are basket-shaped. They consist of several flower whorls up to 6-7 cm in diameter.
Flowers are small funnel-shaped tubes. Painted mainly in lilac, violet, lilac and red. Blooms from June to September.
Fruits are double dry nuts.

Ground stems are long and horizontal

The leaves of the monarda are large, serrated, oblong

Flowers are collected in one or more inflorescence-heads, color from lilac to red shades

Fruits are located in the place of a flower in the form of dry nuts

Kinds

Botanical genus Monarda includes about 20 plant varieties. Many of them are often used in gardening.

The most popular are:

Lemon.
Double.
Fisty.
Point.
Dwarf.
Fragrant.
Average.
Russell.
Soft.
Bradbury.
Red.
Comb.
Scattered.

Lemon monarda is more often used as an ornamental and spicy plant.

The herb monarda bilate has a bergamot scent and is used as a tea

The aerial part of the fistus monarda is used in canning and for pickles

Where grows

The origin of this plant is attributed to the countries of North America. This flower was brought to Europe by Spanish sailors after Columbus discovered the New World. Thanks to its decorativeness and aroma, it has spread throughout the continent, including in the territory of our country.

Today the monard grows almost everywhere

Method for making spices

Eating monarda spices is one of the many uses for this herb.

To make spices from this plant, you need:

Collect monarda during flowering. It was at this time that it contained the maximum content of essential oil.
Cut off the stems no shorter than 25 cm from the soil.
Dry and grind.
You need to store it, like other spices, in a tightly closed dry container.

For long-term use, the monarda is dried and stored in a tightly closed container.

Contraindications

As with any other medicinal herb, when using monarda, you should also be careful.

If used excessively, it can cause side reactions.
Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Has an age limit: not for children under 5 years old.
It is not advised to use aroma lamps with monarda in rooms with small children and women in position.

Features:

The most characteristic properties of all types of monarda are:

Mint-lemon aroma, inherent mainly in the trunks and flowers of the plant.
A honey-bearing property, due to which butterflies, bees and even hummingbirds (in those places where they are found) always circle over the flower.
The third important quality of the monarda, characteristic of the entire genus, is that all flowers contain a huge supply of essential oil. The most meaningful flower in this regard is Monarda didyma.

Monarda flower has an alluring scent for insects and even hummingbirds

Useful properties of essential oil

Monard oil helps with various diseases, especially good for depression

If necessary and desired, monarda oil extract can be made at home. This extract is useful during a runny nose and is suitable as a bactericidal agent for treating injuries and wounds.

To make this extract:

Mix any refined vegetable oil and dried parts of the monard flower in a 1:10 ratio.
Prepare a water bath and keep the oil mixture in it for a couple of hours.
Then refrigerate and strain. The healing oil mixture is ready.

Many of the medicinal qualities of monarda essential oil can be observed in the oils of other herbs. For example oil tea tree has similar medicinal properties and is also widely used in cosmetology. Aromatic and medicinal properties lavender and clove oils are also similar to the features of bee balm oil. However, only this oil can normalize the oxygen level in the cells of the body.

Monarda oil is a remedy unique in its therapeutic properties:

it is the first and last oil to be scientifically proven to treat radiation sickness and protect against radiation. People with radiation sickness are advised to drink teas with bee balm oil.
this tea also helps people with cancer after chemical therapy.

However, only a doctor can prescribe such people to drink this tea.

Monarda oil is widely used in cosmetology

Also, monarda oil is used in the following cases:

During acute respiratory diseases and bronchial asthma as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. You can be treated with aromatherapy, adding drops of oil to aroma lamps, or inhalation.
To enhance the effect of antibiotics and speed up the healing process. To increase the effect of aroma lamps, you can add eucalyptus oil there. For aroma lamps, a drop of Monarda oil for 15 square meters... It should be noted that aroma lamps with monarda oil are contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 5-6 years old.
For the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers and even fractures. A mixture of oils helps with broken bones. To make it you need 10 ml. wheat germ oil, 5 drops of monard oil and 2 drops of lavender oil. The fracture site must be smeared with this mixture or a compress made from it. For wounds, you need to mix a teaspoon of vodka with five drops of monard oil and rinse the wound several times during the day.
To get rid of worms. To do this, it is enough to mix 1 ml of glycerin oil and two drops of monarda oil. Spread on and rub them into your belly.
From foot fungi. To do this, mix a tablespoon of vegetable oil with monard oil. 5 drops will be enough. Spread on problem areas of your legs and put on socks. Do not remove for 2-3 hours.

Monarda oil is a perfect remedy for worms, foot fungi, as well as for fractures, burns, ulcers

Monard oil can also be used:

As an effective anti-aging agent. Due to its composition, it is able to quickly renew body cells and slow down the aging process. As an anti-aging remedy, it is ideal to massage with monarda oil, or add it to face and body creams. Rose and lime oils can be added to enhance the effect.
For oily and dry skin. It normalizes the sebaceous glands, tightens pores and eliminates acne. Add a few drops of oil to toners and facial lotions and you will see the effect.
It is an excellent tonic, a source of strength and vigor. Helps with chronic fatigue. To restore strength and energy, massage all parts of the body with monarda oil is suitable.
On the farm for the destruction of mold. Dilute 15 drops of oil with 1 liter of water to remove black mold in living spaces, which is often seen in damp homes. Spray rooms with this liquid at least once a week.

Monarda essential oil can not only take care of the skin and rejuvenate it, but also be used in the household, for example, against mold

Application

In cooking

In the kitchen, monarda can be used as:

Preservative in pickles, preserves, jams and when storing vegetables in pantries;
Greens in salads.
Add to soups and main courses.
Brew teas and soft drinks (cocktails).

Consider several recipes for using monarda in the kitchen.

Lemon mint tea

For tea you will need: crushed leaves and inflorescences of Oswego tea, boiling water. Pour 2 teaspoons of monarda with 250 ml of boiling water. Do not touch for about half an hour. Strain and drink 60 ml for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Monarda gives tea a lemon and bergamot aroma

Spring salad

Ingredients for a spring salad:

50 grams of fresh soft lemon mint twigs with leaves;
50 grams of green onions;
1 egg;
20 grams of sour cream,
a pinch of salt.

Wash the branches and onions. Cut into small pieces. Add salt. Cut the egg into slices. Transfer the egg to the previously chopped onion with monarda. Pour sour cream over the salad and serve.

Dressing for cabbage soup, borscht

As a dressing, monarda can be added a few minutes (15 to 20 minutes) before the end of cooking. For borscht and cabbage soup, you can add 20-30 grams of monarda, both fresh and dry. Branches with leaves, and stems and inflorescences of a plant are suitable for this.

Buttermilk cocktail with monarda

Ingredients:

4 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon monarda
1 glass of water

Dilute buttermilk with water. Add monarda powder. Shake and let it brew for 10-15 minutes in a cool place. This cocktail can be drunk as a soft drink, such as kvass.

Apple jam

To make jam with monarda, you first need to boil sugar syrup. The syrup should be at least 3 liters and slightly thick. Take about 10 grams of fresh bee balsam leaves and flowers, chop and add to the sugar syrup. Boil and keep on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Take a few apples, wash and cut into wedges. Add 3 cups of chopped apples to the syrup and cook for a while until the desired consistency is obtained.

Use as a preservative

In medicine

Healing properties monards have been known since ancient times.

It can be used for:

Cystitis, vaginitis;
acute respiratory diseases, rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis media;
various flu and pneumonia;
fungal diseases of the skin of the extremities, eczema, psoriasis;
pustular skin diseases (scab);
respiratory tract diseases;
tuberculosis;
immunodeficiency states;
atherosclerosis;
stress;
anemia, hypoxia;
radiation sickness.

In addition, it improves digestion, kills bacteria, and rejuvenates. Due to its ability to oxidize, it reduces the high oxygen content in cells.

Monarda is effective for respiratory and fungal diseases and is good for anemia and stress

Below is a recipe for using bee balm essential oil for dermatitis and children's laryngotracheitis:

For the treatment of dermatitis, mix 0.001 l of monarda oil, 0.002 l of laurel oil, 0.001 l of geranium oil and 0.0065 l of walnut oil. On problem areas apply at least 4 times a day until recovery.

Laryngotracheitis in children

With monarda essential oil, you can prepare nasal drops for children's laryngotracheitis. To do this, you need to take 5 drops of monarda oil, Patagonian pine, spruce and one drop of eucalyptus oil. Add another 30 ml of hazelnut oil. Flush the nose with the solution sea \u200b\u200bsalt and drip 2 drops into each nostril. Repeat the procedure 3 times a day until recovery.

At home

Flowers of bee balm have found application in the household:

It is put along with vegetables so that they are better stored in the pantry.
The smoke of a burnt dry plant is fumigated fruit trees from aphids.
Use it to sprinkle cabbage from caterpillars.

Monarda is used for spraying cabbage and repelling insects

Varieties

Monarda is a very ornamental plant. On the basis of the species considered above, about 50 varieties and hybrids have been bred. All of them differ mainly in their color.

Consider several groups of varieties:

In the USA, Great Britain and Germany with a double and a fist monard created perennial varieties monards about 100 cm high.

Dwarf monarda varieties with red flowers: Cambridge Scarlet, Adam, Machojin, Cardinal, Steppe Blush, Sunset, Balance, Indian, Little Delight. Since the varieties are bred abroad, there may be other translations of the names of the same varieties. They reach no more than 20-30 cm in height. Among them "Squo" ("Indiana") is the most frost-resistant variety.

Pink flowers in the varieties "Fishez", "Croftway Pink", "Rouse Queen", "Cratley Pink".

Popular purple varieties of monarda: "Sinta-sinta", "Pony" (pale purple); Blaustrumpf and Blue Stocking (violet-purple). The "Pony" variety is the highest. Reaches up to 180 cm.

Monarda variety Cardinal belongs to the dwarf species

Monarda Snow White is distinguished by white flowers

Monarda varieties balance also refers to dwarf no higher than 20 cm

There are also burgundy flowers of the monarda: "Burgundy Moldova", "Prerinacht".
Hybrids with white color: Snow White, Shnivitchen, Snow Maiden.
There is a variety with lavender flowers: Elsiez Lavande.
And finally, varieties with lilac flowers: "Capricorn" - 90 cm, reddish-lilac.
There is a variety "Lambada", which is grown for 1 year.

Growing

Bee balsam is a rather non-capricious plant, it can bloom in places under the sun and in slightly darkened places. However, it is sensitive to the characteristics and content of the soil. Prefers slightly acidic and not very wet soil. They grow from 1 or more years. It can reproduce by roots once every three to four years in spring and autumn.

Lemon mint cultivation stages consists of correct fit, fertilization, loosening, watering, feeding, cutting and sheltering in winter:

You can plant in gardens, vegetable gardens, flower beds and borders. Many designers love this plant for its ability to decorate the penumbral sides.
When planting, fertilizing from nitrofus and lignohumate should be carried out.
And after flowering, top dressing with superphosphate and calcium sulfate.
Remove faded flower heads to prolong flowering.
In winter, cut off all aboveground parts. And the roots are able to survive the winter and grow the aerial part again in the spring.

In order for the monarda to delight you with its flowering, it is necessary to feed it and remove the faded tops

Monarda is susceptible to fungal diseases, especially Puccinia rnenthae. In case of damage to flowers grown for bouquets and decorations, drugs with copper are used. And for flowers grown for subsequent use as food additives, it is advisable to process them with infusions of onions and tansy, garlic infusion and tops of tomatoes. It can be affected by powdery mildew, which may indicate over-fertilization above normal and dry soil.

If you grow monarda as an additive to food, then chemical preparations it is not worth processing

Monarda is good in the garden, but it should be protected from fungal diseases.

Do not forget to water the monarda more often, then its flowers will delight you longer

Monarda - herbaceous plant the family of labiates has up to twenty species, most of which perennial plants... The plant got its name in honor of the doctor Nicholas Monardes, who described the monarda in his books.

The historical homeland of Monarda is North America and Mexico, where it grows like a weed in places. In Europe, and specifically in Spain, for the first time the monard was brought by Columbus. But, unfortunately, the monard was forgotten for a long time. And only after a whole century in Europe and Asia, the monarda began to be grown as spicy aromatic plant, because in almost all types of monarda inflorescences, stems, and especially leaves, have a strong aroma. The aroma is very monarda different: both mint and citrus, and bergamot... Therefore, she not only herself is little susceptible to pests, but also scares them away from neighboring plants.

The stem of the plant is straight, from 65 to 120 cm in height, the leaves are light green, oval, pointed at the ends, dentate along the edge, with rare pubescence, located opposite. The monarda has a long, horizontally growing rhizome. Racemose or capitate inflorescences of tubular-funnel-shaped fragrant flowers 6-7 cm in diameter, located one above the other along the peduncle. Depending on the type, the color of the flowers is white, pink, red, lilac or purple, and the varieties with red flowers are the shortest. Monarda blooms profusely, from July to late summer.

There are annuals and perennials in the culture. Perennial species monards are unpretentious and winter-hardy, they are excellent honey plants... Monarda looks great in group garden plantings. Some growers do not like the monarda for the somewhat disheveled appearance of the flowers, but they have a special charm. And therefore, seeing the monarda in bloom, the gaze involuntarily stops at the bright spot that it forms.

Due to the high decorativenessmonarda is placed on along the path, in separate curtains near a reservoir or recreation area. Monarda is decorative in a flower garden for a long time - at first it blooms magnificently, and then peduncles with nuts fruits decorate it for a long time with their unusual appearance

It is recommended to grow the monarda in one place for no more than five years, because by this time the middle part of the bush dies off and the decorativeness of the plant as a whole decreases. Therefore, it is necessary at least 1 time in 4-5 years to divide and seat the monarda.

Place for landing.

Monarda must be placed in a place protected from the wind, otherwise its stems will bend. Depending on the species, the monarda prefers different places for their growth and sunny, open areas and penumbra... For example, mdouble onard grows better in humid, semi-shady areas, and fistous monard likes drier areas, well lit by the sun. In the sun, the monarda blooms luxuriantly, but shorter than in partial shade.

The plant is not undemanding to soil, but grows better on light, calcareous. Does not tolerate strongly acidic and very damp places. Planted in such places in 1-2 years may die.

The landing site is prepared in advance. To do this, the soil is dug up, cleaned of weeds, compost is applied (2-3 kg per 1 m 2) and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (30-40 g per 1 m 2). Then do holeswhere a handful is added wood ash, mixed with fertile soil and watered abundantly. Plants are planted at the level of the root collar, without deepening, while carefully compacting the earth. Then the soil is watered again and slightly loosened. Water should be watered daily, but in moderation, until complete growth. Plants are placed at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other so that they have a sufficient feeding area.

Reproduction of monarda.

Propagated by the monarda seeds and dividing the bush. An overgrown monarda bush is recommended to be divided and transplanted in the fall or in early spring... The bush is divided into parts containing 2-4 strong shoots, and planted in a previously prepared hole. When autumn transplant the divisions will bloom next season. When dividing the monarda, you can choose the bush you like the most and multiply it. At the same time, the beautiful color of the flowers will be preserved and the harvest can be obtained in the very first year after transplantation.

You can grow seedlings from seeds. Seeds are sown in mid to late March, not earlier than seedling did not outgrow. 2 weeks after the emergence of shoots, they dive. Plants grow very slowly at first. Plants are planted on the garden bed when stable warm weather sets in. When planting, be sure to watered. When seed reproduction monarda does not bloom in the first year after sowing.

Caring for the monard.

Caring for the monard is quite simple: loosening, timely feeding and weeding. Monarda responds well to fertilization - feeding with a mullein (1: 5) or mineral fertilizers (50-60 g per 10 l of water) contribute to the formation of a large number of stems with large leaves and inflorescences. Top dressing organic fertilizers must be alternated with mineral. When dry hot weather sets in, it is advisable to mulch the soil with peat or humus so that the root system does not overheat.

Although the monarda is quite winter-hardy, in the fall it is good to mulch the plantings with compost with a layer of 2-3 cm thick.In the spring, gently loosen the plants and feed them nitrogen fertilizer (10-15 g per 10 l of water). In two weeks, as soon as the plant starts to grow, it is necessary to add superphosphate (10-15 g per 1 m 2).

After cutting the greenery, the plants must be fed and watered abundantly, while be sure to loosen the soil. After that, the monard grows quickly and blooms again.

Using the monarda.

Currently, the monard is widely used in floriculture: in mixborders, group plantings, in the design of recreation places. Great in bouquets - stays in water for more than 2 weeks. Long flowering monards and aroma are liked not only by people, but also by many beneficial insects, primarily bees and bumblebees, because it releases a lot of nectar. In winter, inflorescences with seeds are also decorative and beneficial for birds.

All parts of the monarda, except for the roots, have a pleasantly tart and rather persistent aroma due to the content essential oil, the individual components of which are found in mint, basil, savory, caraway seeds, hyssop and other spicy aromatic plants. Flowers and leaves of monarda are added to salads, okroshka, soups, meat dishes, casseroles, cereals, jams, drinks, which gives them an original taste and a unique aroma.

They can also be used for canning cucumbers and tomatoes. Monarda lemon is a part of Earl Gray tea, giving it the aroma of real bergamot.

The crop is harvested in the second year after sowing, because the monarda does not bloom in the first year. The branches are cut at a height of 25 cm from the soil surface or the level of the branches. For salad and tea leaves, you can collect individual leaves throughout the season. For blanks branches are cut for the future during flowering and dried in the shade.

All types of monarda have a strong bactericidal effect. You can use its juice to heal wounds. In modern medicine, monarda is used to treat burns, insect bites, and is used to prevent infections of the oral cavity. Monarda lemon is used to treat bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. In case of fractures and wounds, tea brewed from dry or fresh monarda is recommended (2 tablespoons of chopped leaves, flower stems pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 20-30 minutes, strain and add sugar to taste. Drink 1/4 cup 3 times in day). In addition, monarda improves digestion.

Because of the allocated essential oils Monarda can be called the keeper and healer of the garden. She herself is practically not damaged by pests, but also scares them away from nearby growing plants.

Possible failures in growing.

Monarda is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Decay of the shoots is possible in plants planted in damp places. Therefore, in early spring, it is advisable to treat plantings with copper-containing preparations that increase resistance to diseases. But if the plant is grown for human consumption or as a raw material for treatment, then it is better to use folk remedies: process with infusions of onions, garlic, tansy, tomato tops.

The disadvantages of monarda include the early exposure of the stems from below, so it must be decorated with low-growing plants.

The best partners in the flower garden.

The best partners for Monarda are phlox, veronica, catnip, aconites, various cereals, steep, rudbeckia, goldenrod, heliopsis... With the participation of Monarda, you can successfully arrange a flower garden in rustic style... If possible, the monarda should be planted in the center of the flower bed.If the monarda is planted separately, then it is necessary to plant low-growing flowers around it so that the stems bare from below are not visible.

In conclusion, I would like to say that now many people know and use the monard. This plant is a godsend, it is also a vegetable, medicinal and ornamental plant ... Some use in decorative purposeswhile enjoying the aroma, others in cooking, still others for treatment, and still others as melliferous plants.

Plant a monarda in your garden and you will never regret it. And more - write about your acquaintance with this wonderful plant.