Purple Rooster Bee Balm

Monarda didyma ‘Purple Rooster’ bears large royal-purple flower heads on upright stems above fragrant, deep-green foliage. It flowers from summer into early fall and was selected by The Flower Factory in Wisconsin, then named by David and Nancy Nedveck. ## Garden use Use it in a sunny or partly shaded perennial border, a pollinator planting, or a cut-flower garden. Published sizes differ: Perennials.com gives about 35–39 inches tall and 25–31 inches wide, while Mt. Cuba Center recorded 44 inches tall and 42 inches wide after three years in its Mid-Atlantic trial. ## Growing conditions Provide full sun or partial shade and soil that stays moist while draining well. The cultivar is noted for strong resistance to powdery mildew, though open spacing and air movement help keep Monarda foliage healthy. ## Maintenance Water during dry spells rather than letting the root zone dry out. Thin or divide mature clumps in early spring to manage spread and keep the planting vigorous. Sources: [Mt. Cuba Center trial profile](https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/monarda/monarda-purple-rooster/), [Perennials.com plant profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/monarda-didyma-purple-rooster.html), [NVK Nurseries plant profile](https://www.nvknurseries.com/plant/Monarda-didyma-Purple-Rooster).