A New Bee Balm

This year I’m trying a new monarda (bee balm) called ‘Grand Parade.’ Its claim to fame is extreme mildew resistance.

‘Grand Parade’ was bred by the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada. They specialize in breeding plants that can survive harsh northern winters.

‘Grand Parade’ is a short cultivar. The lavender flowers grow on 13-to-16-inch tall plants that spread 16-20 inches. I planted mine in the front of the border.

So far it is growing in a nice, polite clump without any sign of disease.