Monarda ‘Rebecca'

Bergamot Lamiaceae

A particularly good modern Monarda from Christian Kless of Sarastro Stauden, Austria, and part of his Mark Twain Series. ‘Rebecca’ arose as an open-pollinated sport of Monarda menthifolia and was selected for its strong growth, attractive colour and excellent mildew resistance. It was awarded two stars in the 2021 I.S.U. perennial trials. 

From early summer into late summer, sturdy stems carry abundant flowerheads in soft two-tone lilac and light purple, with darker purple calyces and contrasting reddish anthers. The foliage is pleasantly aromatic when bruised—Monarda rarely does anything by halves where scent is concerned. ‘Rebecca’ is notably vigorous, with good basal growth and a naturally upright habit.

The name honours Rebecca (Becky) Thatcher, Tom Sawyer’s schoolgirl companion in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, hence its place in the Mark Twain Series. 

Excellent in sun or light shade, preferably in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Particularly valuable for bees and other nectar-loving insects, and its mildew resistance makes it a more reliable choice than many older Monarda.

Height: 90–100cm | Spread: 50–70cm
Flowering: June–August | Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)