Monada ‘Beauty of Cobham’

 

Grass & trials garden

 

The shaggy dome of pale pink petals making up these very unique flower-heads, are actually a number of individual curving tubular mint-like flowers growing out from a central point. Monada ‘Beauty of Cobham’ has aromatic foliage and vibrant purple bracts, with the leaves sometimes being picked for potpourri. Plants bloom continuously if dead headed regularly and are tolerant of most soil types, but are prone to powdery mildew in situations that are too dry.

 

When crushed, Monarda leaves secrete a spicy, highly fragrant oil. It has a long history of use as a medicinal plant by many native American tribes. The Blackfoot Indians recognized the strong antiseptic action of these plants, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds.