Monarda is a beautiful plant that has not only aesthetic properties, but also medicinal ones. In our country, monarda appeared a very long time ago. Initially, it was grown as an ornamental plant and a source of essential oil. Although the plant is not particularly elegant and sophisticated, its inflorescences are very pretty. In the century before last, the monard was mistaken for bergamot, as the plants are very similar in their aroma.
Monarda, landing and caring for which will be a pleasure, is a representative of
the Labret family. This plant is grassy. The homeland of the monards is considered Mexico and the territory of North America. According to available data, the genus includes several dozen species, most of which are perennials. The trunks and branches of the monarda die off in the spring, while the root remains alive. When the snow melts, the ground part begins to grow again.
The monarda stem reaches a height of one and a half meters. It is straight and branched. The leaves are lanceolate, slightly elongated. The flowers are collected in inflorescences and are arranged on the stem in turn. The plant blooms in mid-summer. It blooms by autumn.
Monarda. Landing and care. Growing
This plant is considered unpretentious. It is undemanding to the soil, but negatively tolerates too damp or acidic ground.
You need to
grow monarda with fertilizers in a sunny place. You can also
plant the plant in a slightly shaded area. A few years after
planting, the bush already has about 200 peduncles, but by the age of six the flowering is gradually dying out. Popular monarda varieties include Snow White, Mahogeny, Adam and others.
Monarda. Landing and care. Breeding
Monarda is propagated using seeds that are sown in open ground. In most cases (if everything is done correctly), seedlings appear after 2 weeks. Among other methods of propagation of monarda, propagation by trimmings of roots with buds and division of the bush can be noted. The latter is best done in the spring.
Monarda. Landing and care. Application
Monarda is most often found in private gardens or in city flower beds. As already mentioned, the plant is unpretentious. Monarda, planting and caring for which does not cause any problems for the gardener, has been popular for a very long time.
Plant properties
It has long been known that monarda (see photo in the article) has antiseptic properties. The leaves of the flower are used to treat wounds and various skin infections. Monarda tincture has long been used to treat the oral cavity, improve gums and teeth, and get rid of headaches. In addition, there have been cases of the use of monarda as a stimulant. All this is due to the fact that the plant contains a natural antiseptic.
Currently, monarda (planting and care, by the way, greatly affect its properties) is actively used in aromatherapy. Dry flowers and leaves exude an unforgettable aroma! The stems and flowers of this plant can often be found in compositions of dried flowers. Fresh leaves are used even in cooking, so planting monarda in your garden will bring only a positive result!