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

Monarda- an ornamental plant, a representative of the Yasnotkovy 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 Monarda from the book of Monardes. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus in honor of the botanist Nicholas Monardes, he described plants unknown at that time that were discovered in America, the book was published in 1574. The author described the flower, calling it "Canadian organ", as well as "Verginsky soul". Unfortunately, the outlandish flower was soon forgotten, 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 grass has a pleasant bergamot smell, it is used as a tea surrogate.

From the leaves of this plant, the Indians prepared a special drink. The English name for this tea is Oswego tea. The drink resembled mint tea, they were treated for stomach pains, used as an antipyretic. Also, the Indians used the monard as medicinal product. They used it to heal small wounds as an antiseptic. The tea was used to treat the throat and mouth. The plant contains in its composition the substance thymol, which is included in the most modern facilities for oral care. The Indians used the plant's herb as a general tonic and also as a carminative.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, Monarda was grown as "bergamot", which is explained by 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:

Based on these varieties, more than 50 hybrids were bred. 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 the 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 emphasize the beauty of roses of various shades. Monarda can be grown not only in open field but also in pots. For example, you can place a flower pot on a sunny terrace. So the magical citrus aroma of Monarda will contribute to a pleasant pastime. The plant also attracts butterflies, but it repels harmful insects. The greatest decorativeness of the plant is observed during the flowering period.

Monarda prefers fertile soil. It is recommended to choose a soil for planting that retains moisture well. it moisture-loving plant, so regular watering is very important for him. Monarda reproduces with the help of seeds, as well as by dividing the bush. Care consists of abundant watering, thinning and top dressing. Perennial monarda perfectly tolerates 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. Dried stems, along with flowers, are used to make tea drinks, medicines, and flower arrangements.

Beneficial features

Beneficial features Monards are driven by her chemical composition. Monarda is rich in essential oils, vitamins B1, B2, C. The essential oil has bactericidal activity, it can be used to prevent acute respiratory diseases. The highest content of essential oil in Monarda double, the Indians used this type of plant for medicinal purposes. They rinsed their mouths with decoctions, healed wounds. In order to disinfect the wound, it is enough to stretch the 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.

Application in cooking

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

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

The plant has long been valued as a healthy 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.

Monarda benefits and treatment

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

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

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

Monarda oil extract has long been used for medicinal purposes. You can get it even at home, for this you need to place dry plant into 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. Filtered oil can be used for a runny nose (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 erect plant of the Lamiaceae family with an aroma reminiscent of bergamot. In the wild, monarda is common in North America, and in other countries it is grown in gardens and orchards as an ornamental and medicinal plant. Monarda young shoots are used for food: they are added to soups and meat dishes as a seasoning, to salads as an independent ingredient, and even brewed as tea.

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

Composition and scope

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

Double Monarda 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 (external).

Recipes

Infusion:

2 tbsp Monarda herbs;
1 tbsp boiling water.

Grind vegetable raw materials and fill it with boiling water in a thermos. Let the drink brew for 10 hours. Strain. Take warm 1/4 3-4 times a day. The infusion can be used as a rinse for sore throats and colds.

Infusion from salmonellosis:

2 tbsp monarchs;
2 tbsp. boiling water.

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

5 tsp Monarda herbs;
250 ml of boiling water.

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

Wounds for speedy healing can be wiped with freshly squeezed Monarda juice.
Monarda tea:

2 tbsp Monarda herbs;
250 ml of boiling water.

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

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

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

Monarda oil:

1 part monarda leaves;
10 parts refined vegetable oil.

Grind the leaves, add oil to them and put the 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 double monarda are:
children's age up to 6 years;
pregnancy and lactation;
individual intolerance and allergic reactions.

Monarda (lat. Monarda) is a genus of perennial and annual herbs of the Lamiaceae or Lamiaceae 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 of bergamot, lemon mint, or American lemon balm.

Monarda-bergamot is a perennial or annual rhizomatous 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 one above the other on the stem. The fruit of the monarda is a nut, the seeds ripening in it remain viable for three years. Monarda is grown in one area for 5-7 years. Monarda attracts not only the color of flowers, but also amazing aromas. It is used as a spice in cooking, added to tea, and it is also good as a honey plant.

Monarda growing from seeds

In the southern regions, monarda seeds are sown directly into the ground on the fine days of February, where they undergo natural stratification for two cold months, as a result of which friendly strong shoots appear already 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 a little 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 depth of planting 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 shoot the seedlings, then in a year the grown and strengthened bushes will bloom. Monarda rises very slowly.

Monarda seedlings
However, most often the monarda is grown in seedlings. In order to get monarda seedlings by spring, it is sown in January or February in boxes with soil for vegetable crops, closing the seeds by 2-2.5 cm, and placed in a greenhouse, maintaining the temperature under the film at least 20 ºC. Shoots 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 Monarda
Planting and caring for a monard in the open field are not difficult. Monarda prefers to grow in a sunny place protected from the wind, although it also feels good in partial shade. It is not picky about soils, but grows best on light, calcareous soils, and in damp and acidic soil Monarda develops poorly. It is best to plant a monarda in the spring, but the site for it is prepared in the fall: they dig it up, clearing weeds, and adding 2-3 kg of peat, manure or compost for 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 shoots, when they have three pairs of leaves, the seedlings are planted on a prepared site at a distance of at least 60 cm from each other. Monarda planting ends with abundant watering. Lungs spring frosts up to -5 ºC seedlings tolerate painlessly. Monarda blooms from seeds usually only after a year, but with the seedling method, the most developed specimens can bloom already in the current year.

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

This name combines 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 a work on the new plants of America in 1574.

Monarda flower has a delicate citrus aroma

Appearance

In the ranks of varieties of the genus Monarda, both annuals and perennials are found.

Here is a list of the main external characteristics, inherent 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 with a diameter of up to 6-7 cm.
The flowers are small funnel-shaped tubes. Painted mainly in lilac, purple, purple and red. Blooms from June to September.
The 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 inflorescences-heads, color from lilac to red shades.

The fruits are located in place of the flower in the form of dry nuts

Kinds

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

The most popular are:

Lemon.
Binary.
Fistulate.
Spot.
Dwarf.
Fragrant.
Average.
Russell.
Soft.
Bradbury.
Red.
Comb.
Scattered.

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

Monarda double herb has a bergamot smell and is used as a tea.

The aerial part of the fistulate monarda is used in canning and for marinades.

Where does it grow

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. Due to its decorative effect and aroma, it has spread throughout the mainland, including our country.

Today monarda grows almost everywhere

spice making method

Consuming 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 stems no shorter than 25 cm from the soil.
Dry and grind.
It should be stored, like other spices, in a tightly closed dry container.

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

Contraindications

As with any other medicinal herb, when using monarda, care should also be taken.

Excessive use may cause adverse reactions.
Do not take during pregnancy and lactation.
It has an age limit: not for children under 5 years old.
It is not advised to use aroma lamps with a monard in rooms with small children and pregnant women.

Peculiarities

The most characteristic properties of all types of monarda are:

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

Monarda flower has an alluring aroma 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. Such an extract is useful during a runny nose and is suitable as a bactericidal agent for the treatment of injuries and wounds.

To make this extract:

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

Many of the healing qualities of Monarda essential oil can also be observed in 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 level of oxygen in the cells of the body.

Monarda oil is a unique remedy in its medicinal properties:

it is the first and last scientifically proven oil 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 chemotherapy.

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

Monarda oil is widely used in cosmetology

Monarda oil is also 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 inhalations.
To enhance the effect of antibiotics and speed up the healing process. To increase the effect of aroma lamps, eucalyptus oil can also be added there. For aroma lamps, a drop of Monarda oil for 15 will be enough square meters. It should be noted that aroma lamps with Monarda oil are contraindicated for pregnant women and children under 5-6 years of age.
For the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers and even fractures. With a fracture of the bones, a mixture of oils helps. For its manufacture, 10 ml are needed. wheat germ oil, 5 drops of monard oil and 2 drops of lavender oil. The fracture site should be smeared with this mixture or a compress should be made from it. For wounds, you need to mix a teaspoon of vodka with five drops of monard oil and wash the wound several times during the day.
To get rid of worms. To do this, just mix 1 ml of glycerin oil and two drops of Monarda oil. Apply and rub them on your stomach.
For foot fungus. To do this, mix a tablespoon of vegetable oil with monard oil. 5 drops will be enough. Apply to problem areas of the legs and put on socks. Do not remove for 2-3 hours.

Monarda oil is an excellent 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 agent, it is ideal to massage with Monarda oil, or add it to face and body creams. To enhance the effect, you can add rose and lime oils.
For oily and dry skin. It normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores and eliminates acne. Add a few drops of oil to tonics and face lotions and you will see the effect.
This is an excellent tonic, it is a source of strength and vigor. Helps with chronic fatigue. To restore strength and energy, a massage of all parts of the body with Monarda oil is suitable.
On the farm to kill mold. To get rid of black mold in residential areas, which is often seen in damp homes, dilute 15 drops of oil with 1 liter of water. Treat the premises with a sprayer with this liquid at least once a week.

Monarda essential oil can not only care for 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 make soft drinks (cocktails).

Consider several recipes for using monarda in the kitchen.

Lemon Balm 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 the aroma of lemon and bergamot

spring salad

Spring Salad Ingredients:

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

Wash branches and onions. Cut into small pieces. Add salt. Slice the egg. Transfer the egg to the previously chopped onion with monarda. Drizzle salad with sour cream 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. Suitable for this and branches with leaves, and the stems and inflorescences of the plant.

Monarda Buttermilk Cocktail

Ingredients:

4 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon Monarda
1 glass of water

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

Apple jam

To make jam with Monarda, you first need to cook sugar syrup. The syrup should be at least 3 liters and slightly thick. Take about 10 grams of fresh leaves and flowers of bee balm, grind and add to sugar syrup. Boil and keep on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Take a few apples, wash and cut into slices. Add 3 cups 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, runny nose, sinusitis, otitis media;
different flu and pneumonia;
fungal diseases of the skin of the extremities, eczema, psoriasis;
pustular skin diseases (scab);
respiratory diseases;
tuberculosis;
immunodeficiency states;
atherosclerosis;
stress;
anemia, hypoxia;
radiation sickness.

In addition, it improves digestion, kills bacteria, rejuvenates. Due to the ability to oxidize, it reduces the high oxygen content in the 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 the 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 also 30 ml of hazelnut oil. Rinse your nose with a solution sea salt and put 2 drops in each nostril. Repeat the procedure 3 times a day until recovery.

At home

Flowers of bee balm have found application in the economy:

It is put together 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 for spraying cabbage from caterpillars.

Monarda is used to spray cabbage and repel insects.

Varieties

Monarda is a very decorative plant. On the basis of the species discussed 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 piped monard, perennial varieties monards about 100 cm high.

Dwarf varieties of monarda with red flowers: "Cambridge Scarlet", "Adam", "Mahojin", "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. Reach no more than 20-30 cm in height. Among them, "Squaw" ("Indian") is the most frost-resistant variety.

Pink flowers in varieties "Fisches", "Croftway Pink", "Rose Queen", "Cratly Pink".

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

Monarda varieties Cardinal refers to dwarf species

Monarda snow white has white flowers

Monarda varieties balance also applies to dwarfs no higher than 20 cm

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

cultivation

Bee balm is a rather unpretentious plant, it can bloom both in places under the sun and in slightly dark places. However, it is sensitive to soil characteristics and content. Prefers slightly acidic and not very wet soil. Grow from 1 or more years. It can reproduce by roots every three to four years in spring and autumn.

The stages of cultivation of lemon balm consist of proper fit, fertilizers, loosening, watering, fertilizing, 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 penumbra sides.
When planting, top dressing should be carried out from nitrofus and lignohumate.
And after flowering, fertilize with superphosphate and calcium sulfate.
To prolong flowering, remove faded flower heads.
In winter, cut off all above-ground parts. And the roots are able to survive the winter and in the spring again grow the aerial part.

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

Monarda is prone to fungal diseases, especially Puccinia rnenthae. In case of damage to flowers grown for bouquets and decorations, preparations with copper are used. And for flowers grown for the purpose of subsequent use as food additives, it is advisable to treat with onion and tansy infusions, garlic infusion and tomato tops. May be affected by powdery mildew, which may indicate overfertilization above the norm and dryness of the soil.

If you grow monarda as a food supplement, then chemicals not worth handling

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 Lamiaceae family has up to twenty species, most of which perennials. The plant got its name in honor of the physician Nicolas Monardes, who described the monard in his books.

The historical homeland of the monarda is North America and Mexico, where in some places it grows like a weed. 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 aromatic plant, because in almost all types of monardas, inflorescences, stems, and especially leaves, have a strong aroma. The aroma of Monarda is very different: both mint and citrus, and bergamot. Therefore, it is not only itself little susceptible to pests, but also scares them away from neighboring plants.

The stem of the plant is straight, from 65 to 120 cm high, the leaves are light green, oval, pointed at the ends, serrated along the edge, with sparse pubescence, arranged oppositely. Monarda has a long, horizontally growing rhizome. Racemes or capitate inflorescences of tubular-funnel-shaped fragrant flowers 6-7 cm in diameter, arranged one above the other along the peduncle. Depending on the species, 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 the end of summer.

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

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

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

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 its growth and sunny, open areas and penumbra. For example, monarda double grows best in moist semi-shady areas, and monarda fissile likes drier areas well lit by the sun. In the sun, the monarda blooms luxuriantly, but less long than in partial shade.

The plant is not undemanding to soils, but grows best 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 added (2-3 kg per 1 m 2) and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers(30-40 g per 1 m 2). Then do holes where a handful is added wood ash, mixed with fertile soil and watered abundantly. Plants are planted at the level of the root neck, without deepening, while carefully compacting the ground. Then water again and slightly loosen the soil. Watering should be daily, but moderately, until complete growth. Plants are placed at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other so that they have a sufficient feeding area.

Monarda reproduction.

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

You can grow seedlings from seeds. Seeds are sown in mid-late March, not earlier than seedling did not outgrow. 2 weeks after germination, they dive. At first, the plants grow very slowly. Plants are planted in the garden at the onset of stable warm weather. Be sure to water when planting. At seed propagation monarda does not bloom in the first year after sowing.

Monard care.

Monarda care is quite simple: loosening, timely feeding and weeding. Monarda responds well to fertilization - feeding with mullein (1: 5) or mineral fertilizers(50-60 g per 10 liters of water) contribute to the formation of the growth of a large number of stems with large leaves and inflorescences. top dressing organic fertilizers must be alternated with minerals. 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’s a good idea to mulch the plantings with compost with a layer thickness of 2-3 cm. In the spring, carefully loosen and feed the plants nitrogen fertilizer(10-15 g per 10 liters of water). Two weeks later, as soon as the plant begins 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 this, the monarda quickly grows and re-blooms.

The use of Monarda.

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

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

They can also be used in canning cucumbers and tomatoes. Lemon monarda is part of the 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. Branches are cut at a height of 25 cm from the soil surface or branching level. For salad and for brewing, you can collect individual leaves all season. For blanks for future use cut branches during flowering and dry 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 in the oral cavity. Monarda lemon is used to treat bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. For fractures and wounds, tea brewed from dry or fresh monarda is recommended (2 tablespoons of crushed 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 a day). In addition, monarda improves digestion.

Due to allocated essential oils Monarda can be called the guardian 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 cultivation.

Monarda is prone to diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Plants planted in damp places may rot shoots. Therefore, in early spring, it is desirable to treat plantings with copper-containing preparations that increase resistance to diseases. But if the plant is grown for food or as a raw material for treatment, then it is better to use folk remedies: treat with infusions of onions, garlic, tansy, tomato tops.

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

The best partners in the flower garden.

The best partners for Monarda are phloxes, veronicas, catnip, aconites, various cereals, stubble, rudbeckia, goldenrod, heliopsis. With the participation of the Monarda, you can successfully arrange a flower garden in rustic style. If possible, the monard should be planted in the center of the flower bed. If the monard is planted separately, then stunted flowers should be planted around it so that the stems bare from below are not visible.

In conclusion, I would like to say that many people now know and use the monard. This plant is a godsend, it is both a vegetable, medicinal and ornamental plant . Some are used in decorative purposes, while enjoying the aroma, others in cooking, others for treatment, the fourth are used as honey plants.

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