Does monarda, bergamot goes invasive?

Joanna

Hi

I have young monarda plants from seed. They scare me a little as i see how quick they increased by underground shoots in pots.
Does it go invasive if planted in free soil?

Should i tread it as i would tread mint plants?

Joanna

Foxylock · Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 10:45 am Post subject:

Hi Joanna

I have recently got some of these as seed as well from http://www.seedaholic.com. I looked up the fairly comprehensive information provided but it does'nt say anything about it being invasive. apparently it's a " foolproof plant, trouble free and a joy in the garden " I suppose time will tell.

It also says " Resist the temptation to crowd plants too closely they will spread of their own accord soon enough. Clumps should be divided every three years, in spring to remove excess woody growth which will in time retard good growth. "

When did you plant yours and did they germinate easily ? I must have a crack off mine soon and see how we get on, smashing plant though. Take care Very Happy

Joanna · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject:

I sow them in late spring this year, round may, i think.
I'm very bad with my gardening scrap book, but need to start something like that some day... Embarassed

The plants are now round 40 cm high, bushy and well rooted in 1,5 litre pots. I'm hoping them to flower next year. Rolling Eyes

I discovered that if you feed them generously they foliage wonderfully smells lemon like.

Just got bit scared as one of pots is full of tiny shoots from underground. But never heard anything bad about this plants.

Foxylock · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:

You will surely get flowers next year so. Flowering season is May into August. Some useless facts : Oswego tea is made from its leaves and used to improve digestion, Both leaves and blooms contain thymol-related antiseptic and antibiotic properties and the leaves when crushed make a handy insect repellant. Wink

Joanna · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 3:00 pm Post subject:

That's great,
I wanted it for it smell, now i know there is some other ways to use it

Laughing

cheers

Foxylock · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

I forgot to ask, what variety of Monarda do you have ? Me nosiness at me again Laughing

Joanna · Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject:

the problem is i have no idea what they are

i bought a mix of few species. I hate buying mixes but it was only seeds i could get at the time...

will need to wait till they grow and flower and then ask someone for exact names.

ormondsview · Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:49 am Post subject: bergamot and invasiveness

This plant spreads through underground shoots or runners and will sneak in amongst other plants taking up their locations, even shrubs. But it is easy to pull out, unlike lilly of the valley which has deeper, stubborn roots. You can even hand pull it. But by the time you see how much it's spread, it looks so nice, attracts bees and butterflies and the colour is immense, that you'll probably wait until it's done flowering. I put it in to places where I want to get some territory away from a messy patch. Let it go for a season, tear it up and you have a nice bald patch. It transplants easy too. Just take a slip and put it in the ground anywhere. I have red and pink, though there are some doubles.