Monarda, landing and care. Monard garden flowers - landscape decoration

A perennial plant of the Lamiaceae family, monarda, is used in medicinal purposes and in cooking, because of its decorative properties, it is popular with gardeners. Thanks to the rich color palette inflorescences - it contains white, lilac, scarlet, purple, pink color, and wine shades of red, flower beds and with a monarda are spectacular.

In the title photo - Double Monarda (Monarda Dydima), variety "Pardon my purple".

Basic information

Monarda is an essential flower, the stems of the bush are straight, with jagged green leaves, during flowering many small inflorescences appear on the bush, and the smell from the plant intensifies, attracting bees.

Note. The plant is known as an essential oil plant, its green parts have a bergamot aroma (for which the monard is called bergamot) and are used for brewing. herbal tea.

The drink made from the leaves has a minty flavor and a citrus scent of bergamot, the herbal tea is known as Oswego tea. Like many of the ornamental plants, the monard came to Europe from North America. Indians in the New World medicinal herb they prepared antipyretic drugs, applied to wounds as an antiseptic, and took care of the oral cavity with aqueous solutions prepared from the leaves.

And now gardeners, on occasion, recall the healing properties of the plant, use its green parts, adding leaves to salads, meat dishes.

History reference. In Europe, they learned about the monard from the book of Nicholas Monardes, in which the botanist described new plants found in America. In the book, this flower is called "Canadian organ", "Verginsky soul". The name Monarda was given to the flower genus by Carl Linnaeus in honor of the author of the book N. Monardes, a doctor and botanist.

The essential oil flower spreads fragrance around itself during the entire time of growth, its citrus notes are liked by people, butterflies, bees. The smell repels harmful insects.

Useful fragrant plant grown in pots and open field flower beds. The perennial reaches its greatest decorative effect by the 5th year of growth, when on lush bush about 100 flower stalks bloom at the same time.

Species and varieties

To date, there are about 2 dozen species of monarda. Of these, the most common in horticulture received:

• Monarda lemon (Monarda citriodora). fragrant plant, rich in essential oils, is used by gardeners as a culture for the preparation of spicy seasonings for salads, meat dishes. Fragrant leaves and flowers with a lemon-resinous smell and mint shade added to tea, jams, kvass. The entire ground part of the bush is used in the production of wines, the essential oil obtained from the plant is added for aromatization in cosmetics. perennial monarda citrus bergamot is often grown as an annual flower - the tender leaves are good for tea, spices, dishes.

Due to the decorative properties of a flower with beautiful inflorescences, garden plots are decorated.

• Monarda double (Monarda didyma). Gardeners also get the two-in-one effect when growing this most popular type of flower. Made from ground parts, herbal tea has antipyretic and analgesic properties. flower with bright inflorescences dark and light shades of red, white and purple-lilac with a pointed lush hat, the plant is used as an ornamental.

• Monarda fistulosa (Monarda fistulosa) It has a pronounced citrus aroma and is valued as an essential oil plant with medicinal properties. The plant is used for bactericidal effects, stimulate appetite, improve digestion. Young greens of the plant are added to salads, soups, tea, sauces, seasonings for meat, the ground parts of the bush are used to flavor wine (vermouth), prepare spicy seasonings, and in cosmetology. Popular dwarf varieties of this kind.

In gardens, the flower is grown as an ornamental and honey plant, used to make bouquets. The fistulose monarda blooms for 2-3 years of growth with inflorescences of a delicate lilac color. The bush of an adult plant stretches up to 120 cm.

The flower is known as wild bergamot, horsemint.

Monarda varieties are common and in demand:

• Citrodera Harlequin. It is a compact annual plant with a delicate bergamot fragrance and flower stalk. original form composed of densely spaced inflorescences.

• Mona Lisa. annual plant with dark purple-lilac inflorescences has a strong lemon aroma. It is recommended to grow for the preparation of spicy seasonings and for flavoring drinks and canned foods.

• Diana (Monarda citriodora). This perennial plant is planted as a medicinal, ornamental crop and for the preparation of seasonings, herbal tea, flavoring drinks. Varietal monarda blooms with beautiful pink-purple flowers, 5-6 inflorescences on each branch of the bush. The formed bush stretches to a height of 45 cm, its shoots are strong, with lanceolate leaves.

• Monarda hybrid (Monarda lambada) represented by varieties bred in Germany, the Netherlands. They exude the strongest aroma and are less demanding on growing conditions.

Note. Selection work aimed at improving the decorative properties of the flower and obtaining green mass with a high content of essential oils. It is used on an industrial scale, in addition to cooking and cosmetology, for the preparation of homeopathic formulations.

Means in homeopathic doses with Monarda help in the treatment of otitis, cystitis, pneumonia, psoriasis, bronchitis.

Due to its antibacterial properties, the plant is used to prevent the formation of black mold.

Hybrid monarda varieties are popular - with white flowers Schneewittchen, with red Cambridge Scarlet, Balance. A variety with purple-purple inflorescences of Blaustrumpi, with pink Cratly Pink, with lilac Elsieys Lavender, with burgundy Praerienachr is in demand.

Grade Schneewittchen

• Panorama Mix. The variety is obtained from a double moranda. Popular in that it retains its decorative effect for a long time, flower stalks from small inflorescences different shades red and purple delight during flowering. In place of faded inflorescences, nut-boxes with seeds are formed, which enliven the autumn, sometimes winter, landscape. Flowers are grown for cutting, used in landscape design.

• Terry "Fairy Tale". Winter-hardy variety valued as ornamental plant with inflorescences of a rare pale amethyst color and a delicate honey-mint aroma emanating from the whole bush. The perennial grows rapidly, bushes well, blooms in the second half of summer, blooms profusely.

The variety is also grown for its medicinal, flavoring, honey-bearing properties.

Growing from seeds

Monardu is planted in open ground with seeds at the end of spring when stable warm weather has already established ( optimum temperature for seed germination + 20 ° C) and frosts are not expected, to a depth of 2 cm. In order to sow the seed evenly, sand is mixed with the seeds.

The sprouted plants grow slowly, when leaves appear on the plant, the sowing is thinned out, leaving the plants at a distance of 10 cm. At the next thinning, the interval between developing bushes is increased by 2 times. When planted with seeds, the bush does not bloom in the first year of life.

Can at the end of March, in April, sow seeds for seedlings. Shoots after 2 weeks of development should dive. After a stable heat is established, the seedlings are planted, keeping the distance between plants 30 cm, and between rows up to 70 cm.

Landing

Monardas choose a sunny place for planting or with light partial shade, protected from the wind. The soil should be fertile and well retaining moisture.

The flower is moisture-loving, so it needs regular watering. To retain moisture in areas with dry, hot summers, it is recommended to mulch the soil.

Care during the growing season

An undemanding plant in care needs to be watered and for speed dial feed the green mass with complex nitrogen-containing fertilizers. It is also necessary to feed the monard during flowering. The bush diluted in water should be watered regularly after 2 weeks.

Autumn care and preparation for winter

AT autumn period the bush is fed with potash and phosphate fertilizers prolonged action. Dry granules are placed shallowly in the soil under the bush, they slowly dissolve with water. The nutrient composition accumulates in the roots by spring and stimulates the rapid development of the plant with abundant flowering next year.

Diseases, pests, problems

Flower winter-hardy, unpretentious to growing conditions, resistant to diseases. Thanks to the essential oils of the root system, it repels pests living in the soil, and the aromas of the ground part repel insects that feed on green mass.

Rarely the bush can be affected fungal rust, tobacco mosaic virus, weevil. When a flower is susceptible to downy mildew disease, it can be seen from the leaves. Their greenery with a cloudy coating indicates a disease. Often this happens during dry hot days from lack of moisture.

To maintain high decorative properties of a flower, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture that is comfortable for the plant and provide prevention from diseases and pests.

In spring, before intensive growth of the bush, and in autumn, before wintering, it is good to spray the plant with a solution blue vitriol or foundationol.

Application in landscape design

Disease-resistant monarda is used in flower beds garden plots, in the landscape design of park areas. The flower tolerates harsh winter conditions Russia without or with light cover. Monarda is decorated, flowers are used in decoration, grown for cutting.

With Monarda, the flower garden acquires a bright accent and becomes fragrant. Mixborders successfully combine the North American beauty with:

Bright mixborder with Monarda. One can argue about whether these two bright shades are appropriate here.

Highly good option mixed border.

Monarda and rudbeckia.

Monarda goes well with astilba.

The highlight of this flower bed is the combination of vertical and horizontal spots, sharp lines of bulbous flowers and herbs, and soft surfaces created by stonecrop.

Where to buy seeds

Monarda seeds are not uncommon and are widely represented in online stores, sowing material can be ordered and bought with delivery by mail.

Review on video

About the decorative and taste properties of the plant - in the review on the video from the Dacha TV channel.

20.09.2017

Monarda is common to garden plots country as an ornamental plant, but it deserves special attention due to taste and medicinal properties. It is more than just a decoration for your garden. Monarda is a versatile herb that was found various applications health and culinary. It has long been used as a medicine, spice or tea. Here you will learn more about it.

What is a monarda?

Monarda is very pretty plant with a wonderful fruity, minty aroma, on stems 90-100 cm long, in mid and late summer, magnificent flowers in the form of a crown of various colors, including red, pink and purple. In addition to decorative qualities, monarda is valued for culinary and medicinal properties.

All aerial parts of the plant are edible and are used in cooking as a flavoring agent, an additive to tea, and decorate the finished dish with flowers.

What does a monard look like - photo

general description

Monarda's homeland is North America and Mexico, but also in middle lane In Russia, it blooms well and profusely from July to the end of summer with beautiful pink, red, bright crimson and purple flowers.

The genus Monarda has at least 17 species and more than fifty varieties, but the best known are the fistulose, lemon, double and point.

Monarda bright flowers, collected in 20-50 pieces at the top of a branching stem.

The stem is square, grooved and hard, about 90 cm high. The leaves are distinctly serrated. Thin dense villi cover most of the stem and leaves. Roots are short, thin, creeping.

How is this seasoning obtained?

Monarda leaves, stems and inflorescences are used as spices. Most green raw materials rich in essential oils can be obtained during the period of mass flowering of this plant. In the first year of life, the monard does not bloom, so they begin to collect it from the second year.

How to store and prepare for the winter

For harvesting for future use, the branches are cut during flowering and dried in the shade. They can be ground in a coffee grinder and stored in a tightly closed glass jar.

The chemical composition of the monarda

The main components of Monarda are thymol and carvacrol.

Carvacrol also has an antibacterial effect.

Flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, quercitrin, luteolin, quercetin) were found in the leaves and flowers of Monarda.

Monarda essential oil contains 34 components, the main of which are α-pinene (3.5%), β-pinene (2.9%), α-terpinene (1.7%), p-cymene (32.5), aliphatic aldehyde (6.3%), sabinol hydrate (1.9%), β-caryophyllene (1.1%), carvacrol methyl ester (5.5%), citronellal acetate (1.6%), thymol (12 .6%) and carvacrol (24.0%).

Physiological role

Monarda leaves and flowers have anthelmintic, antimicrobial, diuretic, expectorant, antipyretic and stimulating effects, and also affect:

• improved digestion;
• weakening flatulence;
• improvement of appetite;
• relief of colic;
• reduction of bloating;
• reduction of menstrual cramps;
• reduction of nausea and vomiting.

Health Benefits of Monarda

Due to the healing properties of the monard, it is used in the treatment of:

• salmonellosis and other infections;
• bronchial asthma;
• chronic bronchitis;
• radiation sickness;
• colds;
• headaches;
• stomach disorders;
• fever and sore throat;
• flatulence;
• nausea;
• menstrual pain;
• insomnia.

Inhalations with this plant help with sore throat and bronchial catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membrane that causes an increased flow of mucus).

With antimicrobial and diaphoretic properties, monarda is useful for fighting colds and flu.

Monarda essential oil, which has shown itself well as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent, helps to relieve pain and speed up the healing of small wounds, insect bites. Helps to get rid of eczema, psoriasis, herpes and acne.

Before using an essential oil, a preliminary test for 24 hours on a small area of ​​​​skin is necessary.

Contraindications (harm) Monarda

Monarda should not be taken orally if there are problems with the thyroid gland. Contraindicated for pregnant women.

What is the smell and taste of Monarda

Monarda leaves have an aroma similar to a mixture of mint and oregano. It is not sweet like mint, but more spicy. The petals are "softer" in taste and smell.

Dried crushed leaves have a peppery flavor.

How and how much to store monarda

Monarda loses some of its aroma when dried, but retains its medicinal properties for up to a year. To dry, tie 8-10 stems with a rubber band and hang upside down in a dry, warm, ventilated area.

Store dried monarda in airtight containers in a dark place.

The use of monarda in cooking

The unusual aroma of monarda has found application in the kitchen. Here are some ideas:

• Dried monarda can be sprinkled on pizza, pasta.
• Fresh leaves are added to pesto sauce, and flower petals are used as a beautiful and fragrant garnish.
• The soft, slightly minty aroma of Monarda greens makes it ideal for making jelly. The apple cider is especially delicious.
• Dried leaves can be seasoned with lamb and fish.
• The aroma of fresh monarda is good in fruit and vegetable salads. Add some leaves to them. Flowers can decorate the finished dish.
• The leaves make a nice addition to iced tea or lemonade. This will be a great substitute for mint.

Before using fresh monarda, rinse the leaves and submerge the flowers in cool water to float any insects that may be hiding in the petals. Then hold under running water shake off and dry drops.

Flavored tea with monarda for enjoyment and health

If you like Earl Gray tea, then the taste of a hot drink with Monarda will seem familiar. One of the other names for Monarda is "wild bergamot". They named it so because the taste has citrus notes, similar to real bergamot, which flavors Earl Gray.

With the ability to support digestive system, Monarda tea is useful to drink after a meal. This drink is also loved for its calming effect.

How to make tea with Monarda:

1. Put a tablespoon of fresh or one teaspoon of dried monarda leaves in a teapot.
2. Pour in one cup (250 ml) of boiling water.
3. Let it brew for ten minutes. Sweeten if you like and enjoy.

Monarda is also added to the collection of homemade herbal teas to improve the taste.

How to make honey from monarda

With the help of fresh monarda flowers, you can easily make healing honey:

1. Fill a small jar with flowers.
2. Pour honey into it, the flowers should be completely submerged, and the container is full.
3. Stir gently with a small spoon to remove air bubbles.
4. Close the jar and let the honey stand for 4-6 weeks. After this period, you can take the flowers out if you like, or leave them in the honey.

Add honey to warm water or tea or eat it with a spoon. Due to the anesthetic properties of monarda, this honey is very good at soothing a sore throat.

How to replace monarda in a recipe

Dried monarda leaves can be substituted for oregano, as both have a peppery flavor that is great for stews, bean dishes, pasta and pizza sauce.

Monarda - what is it and what is it eaten with? Video

Monarda is a fantastic example of a combination of beauty, usefulness and taste. They are amazing flowers at the same time. different colors, and a delicious ingredient in cooking, and medicine. If you want to use monarda, carefully study its medicinal properties, contraindications and methods of use, collected in this article.

Many gardeners have a beautiful plant called monarda growing in their plots, beneficial features which is not known to everyone. In most cases, it is grown for its decorative appearance, unaware of its therapeutic effect, helping to get rid of a number of diseases.

Description

Monarda is an essential oil plant belonging to the mint family. A straight branching stem can reach a height of 100 cm or more.

Opposite serrated leaves covered with reddish veins are oval in shape and have a pointed tip. Their color is light green with a slight silvery tint.

Flowering begins in July and lasts about 50 days. Sometimes this period stretches until the frost. small flowers may have a different color - pink, red or lilac. They are collected in inflorescences with a diameter of 8 cm and have an unusually pleasant aroma, being a magnificent honey plant. By the age of five, the plant can form up to a hundred flowering shoots.

When the flowering period ends, dry fruits are formed, consisting of four nuts. At the same time, the monard flower does not lose its decorative effect at all. Practically all parts of this plant have useful properties.

Growing conditions

Monarda is not too demanding culture, it can be grown in almost any garden. The plant is resistant to cold and extreme heat, easily tolerates a dry period. It is best to plant it in well-lit or slightly shaded areas. The main thing is that they are not blown by the winds, because this can lead to deformation of the shoots.

Monarda prefers light and noble soils, therefore, when planting a plant in an acidic environment, it is necessary to carry out liming. This culture feels especially good in the place where annuals, such as gypsophila, iberis, etc., grew before it.

Care

Monarda lemon, whose beneficial properties are difficult to overestimate, is an excellent option for a low-maintenance garden. All care for her comes down to watering, loosening and top dressing, which is done only 2 times a year - during planting and after flowering. Cut off completely in autumn above-ground part plants, and root system its hardy and tolerates winter very well.

Transfer

In the spring, when the first shoots appear, the plant can be divided and planted. Monarda then blooms more abundantly, and appears on it a large number of shoots.
In one place without a transplant, it is not recommended to leave the plant for more than 5 years. Monarda is also propagated by seeds, sowing them directly in open ground in the spring.

Beneficial features

The main useful component of Monarda is the natural analgesic thymine. This substance has a strong antiseptic effect. The presence in addition to it in the composition of the plant of a large number of vitamins, antioxidants and retinoids determines the healing properties of the monarda: antiseptic, hemostatic, antifungal, regenerative, immunostimulating and others.

Useful properties of essential oil

This is the most valuable broad-spectrum bactericidal agent, thanks to which it is used to treat many diseases of the monard. The beneficial properties of essential oil help relieve spasms, inflammation, remove toxins and poisons from the body, help strengthen the immune system and allow this remedy to be used in the fight against flu and colds. It can serve as a natural blood preservative, preventing engraftment of foreign tissues. This is a remedy that helps to cure radiation sickness and protect the body from radiation. Adding monarda essential oil to tea promotes recovery after chemotherapy.

In addition, it is used to treat burns, eczema, dermatitis, and bronchial asthma.

Monarda essential oil is effective against fungal diseases, helps to get rid of dandruff and hair loss, and has a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

Due to its antibacterial properties, the oil is an effective means for cleansing and disinfecting indoor air during epidemics. By adding it to the water while taking a bath, you can get a warming and relaxing effect on the muscles.

Application in traditional medicine

Monarda is a plant whose beneficial properties are in demand in folk medicine. To combat ailments, it is used in a variety of dosage forms. A decoction prepared from the leaves and flowers of the monarda helps with colds. Dry crushed parts of the plant are poured with boiling water and insisted in a water bath for 40 minutes (4 tablespoons of herbs per glass of water). it's the same good remedy for burns, frostbite and cuts. For the treatment of conjunctivitis, an infusion of the leaves of the plant is used, pouring them with boiling water and leaving it under the lid for 25 minutes.

Manarda-based preparations are effective in juvenile acne and bacterial diseases skin, food poisoning and problems associated with gynecology, pneumonia, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis and cystitis.

Very effective face masks, which include Monarda. The beneficial properties of this plant help to cleanse problem skin and prevent inflammation. The grass is brewed in a thermos and infused for 10 hours, after which blue or white clay is added.

With inflammation of the gums, stomatitis and toothache, it is enough just to chew the fresh leaves of the plant. In cosmetology, Monarda can be found as part of anti-aging creams.

Application in cooking

In many countries of the world, this plant is included in the product catalog. Pleasant taste and unusual aroma make it an indispensable ingredient in the preparation of all kinds of dishes. fresh greens added to soups, salads, borscht, helping to increase appetite and improve digestion.

Tea, jelly, compotes acquire a special flavor if they contain monarda, the beneficial properties of which make these drinks effective against colds. They also strengthen the immune system.

The greens of this plant, combined with basil, mint, tarragon, are an excellent seasoning for fish dishes and pastries. In order for the monarda not to lose its beneficial properties during long-term heat treatment, it is added to dishes a few minutes before cooking.

Brewing together with black or green tea a small amount of dried leaves and flowers of the plant not only allows you to add a special flavor to the drink, but also make it an excellent prophylactic against flu and colds.

Contraindications

Due to the fact that the monarda is a relatively new plant in garden plots, some people may experience an allergic reaction to it in the form of a skin rash or swelling of the larynx. To do this, it is enough even just to inhale the aroma of a flowering plant.

Due to the high concentration of thymol, preparations based on monarda are not recommended for hypertensive patients, people with diseases associated with gastrointestinal tract or problems with the liver, kidneys. Pregnancy, breastfeeding are also contraindications for taking drugs based on this plant. Children under 5 years of age should not be given tea with Monarda, so as not to cause an allergic reaction.

In any case, you should take the funds, where the monard is present in the composition, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which are described above, should be taken carefully, preferably after receiving a recommendation from the attending physician, so as not to harm your health.

It is known that self-treatment with the use of any folk remedies sometimes allows you to miss a serious illness. Therefore, before starting treatment with Monarda-based drugs, it is recommended to undergo an examination and receive prescriptions from a doctor. Especially when it comes to oncology.

Monarda in the garden

Monarda is grown not only as a medicine or spice (useful properties, photos and descriptions of the plant are given in the article). This plant is charming in its own way and, although not particularly bright, can become an ornament to any garden. His beautiful flowers have a very interesting shape. Thanks to bright greenery, it retains its decorative effect until frost. In addition, the monarda is a magnificent honey plant, attracting a large number of beneficial insects to the garden.

It looks great both in the background and surrounded by flowers such as phlox, lychnis, rudbeckia and gelenium. This plant will also appeal to lovers of dry bouquets.

This plant is sometimes mistakenly called bergamot. The reason for this was a pleasant aroma. But besides him, the monard has nothing to do with this plant. Bergamot, whose beneficial properties are also very well known, belongs to subtropical crops and does not grow in the middle lane. It is this plant that is used in the composition of the famous bergamot tea. Monarda is also called American lemon balm, and mountain balm for its amazing unique aroma.

Monarda is the name of a number of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae. Their herb is endowed with a citrus aroma and has medicinal properties known. Information about existing indications and contraindications for taking drugs from the plant, as well as some recipes and detailed video material can be found in the article.

plant description

Thanks to the scent various parts monarda, it is often called bergamot. In fact, these are two completely different plants. Monarda is grass, and bergamot is citrus tree, a variety of Seville orange. The plant came to Europe from America, where it was used by the Indians as a flavor base for drinks and a medicine.

The plant looks like this:

• stem erect, branched, up to 1 m in height;
• serrated leaves are oblong;
• flowers are collected in inflorescences-heads, which are located one above the other along the stem.

Now 22 species of monards and more than 50 hybrid forms are known. Most plants are grown in cultivation.

Some plant varieties

• The fistulate monarda is not only medicinal, but also a spicy and honey plant. Besides, his pink flowers are decorative, which allows you to plant bushes in various garden compositions. In cooking, it is used as a condiment. As a drug, it has bactericidal, expectorant, digestive properties.

horned monarda

• The double monarda is a very decorative perennial. Its flowers are bright red. It is this variety that is called “Oswego tea”, since its fragrant infusion, as a hot drink, was used by the Indians of the tribe of the same name.

double monarda

• Lemon-smelling monarda is a plant with a pronounced citrus aroma. Grows well in the garden in both sun and shade.

lemon-smelling monarda

• Dwarf monarda - this variety has a different tall stem and smaller flowers. Her spicy herbs and dried flowers are used in cooking.

pygmy monarda

• Messy monarda or "oriental bee balm" - endowed with lilac flowers. Very good honey plant.

Attention! As a medicine, only the first two varieties of the plant are used, and in homeopathy, the double monard is considered more effective.

What is useful monarda

All aerial parts of the monarda contain a large amount of essential oil. In aromatherapy, it is considered the best antiseptic. In addition, preparations from the plant relieve fever and spasms. Experts recommend Monarda preparations for the following conditions:

• various inflammations in the mouth, tonsillitis, tonsillitis;
• teenage acne, acne of different ages, boils, fungal infections skin;
• cold, flu;
• violations of the digestive tract;
• dandruff with oily seborrhea;
• conjunctivitis;
• shallow wounds, ingrown nails, abscesses;
• diseases of the genital and urinary organs.

Monarda is used in cosmetology and traditional medicine

Monarda preparations

For cosmetic purposes, powder, decoctions and infusions of herbs and flowers are widely used. They are used as washes, rinses, added to masks, etc. Wonderful remedy for treatment skin problems- Monarda essential oil. Add a few drops to baths, ointments, creams, masks, etc.

Monarda grass is recommended to be added to herbal preparations used for colds. It contains vitamins C and group B, which allows decoctions to work as a means of gently increasing immunity. Monarda extract, together with other drugs, is used as an effective anthelmintic.

Advice. Dried stems and flowers of Monarda are good for shifting things in the closet. This prevents damage to natural tissues by moths.

Gardeners have also found use for the plant. Its infusion is used as a remedy for aphids and other insects that cause considerable damage. In cooking, dried monarda is used as spices for meat and fish, side dishes and salads.

When not to use Monarda

There are certain contraindications to the use of preparations from monarda:

• allergy;
• persistent increase in pressure;
• some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver;
• pregnancy, lactation.

Of course, before you start using Monarda preparations, you should definitely consult a doctor. Indeed, in many cases, they only help relieve symptoms, and they cannot completely cure the disease.

dried monarda

Recipes for medicines from Monarda.

1. Butter. The dry aerial part of the plant in a ratio of 1:20 is mixed with vegetable oil. The container with this mixture is placed on water bath and warm up for at least 3 hours. The resulting oil is cooled and then filtered. It is permissible to store the drug for no more than 2 months in a dark bottle.
2. Infusion on water. 1 tsp dried monarda pour a glass of boiling water. They let it sit for a bit. Drink this amount should be during the day.
3. Decoction for inhalation. 2 tbsp dried grass and flowers are poured with water in a volume of 0.5 liters. Infuse for 1 hour, then boil for 10 minutes. The resulting broth is poured into a special inhaler and the vapors are inhaled for 15 minutes.
4. Wound healing gruel. 2 tbsp herbs pour 1 tbsp. boiling water. Leave to cool under tight closed lid. Filter. Water can be used to wash the skin around the injury, and the slurry itself, wrapped in an easily permeable cloth, can be applied to the wound.

Monarda - unusual flower. This guest from America is able to decorate the garden and improve health. With all its merits, the plant is absolutely unpretentious and available for cultivation to everyone.

Monarda - fragrant plant, which is distinguished by an interesting form of flowers. It is used and how decorative flower, and as a source of essential oil.

Description and application of garden bergamot in landscape design

Garden bergamot is a member of the Yasnotkov family. Its distribution began in North America. In Europe, the use of monard found as an antiseptic, then began to be grown as a medicinal herb.

The appearance of this herb is a small shrub with serrated leaves. Green colour. Inflorescences resemble many-legged insects due to visually sharp growths on the petals. perennial grass blooms from mid-summer to its end, and the greenness of the leaves persists from early spring until late autumn, which is characterized by slight frosts.

There are several varieties of monarda, each of them is characterized by a certain color. Red monarda, pink, various shades of purple and white are found in nature. The stems sometimes reach a length of 1 meter or more.

Fragrant and bright flower finds wide application in landscape decoration. It can be found in a private garden or on huge decorative flower beds. Often planted separately from other plants, because it is self-sufficient and densely flowering. Harmoniously combine its various types of color scheme. But less often you can meet the monarda in conjunction with other types of cultivated plants.

The combinations in the flower bed are usually quite unusual: a tall bush of garden bergamot is planted next to dwarf flowers. With all kinds of monarda, it gets along well in one flower bed.

It goes well with garden crops, saving them from pests and fungal diseases. This property is due to the release of essential oil.

Against the backdrop of greenery curly beans and other weaving crops, bergamot flowers stand out and stand out. Apply decorative look plants and in the design of beds in rustic style : combined with cereals and other perennial flowering crops.

Features of growing Monarda (video)

Monarda varieties

About 15 species of monarda are counted by scientists, there are perennial varieties and annual specimens. The most common are 4 species that contain subspecies.

This species is characterized fragrant aroma reminiscent of citrus. Inflorescences can occur in all shades of pink and lilac flowers.Performing a decorative function, the plant has healing properties, produces a large amount of nectar, which contributes to the intensive production of honey by bees. It is also used in cooking due to its spicy taste. It is consumed both fresh and cooked: in salads and soups, in tea and vermouth.

The medicinal properties are diverse: it helps to expectorate sputum in case of respiratory diseases, has a disinfecting quality, and also helps with digestive and appetite disorders.

This species is exclusively decorative, but is often used as a seasoning. It is famous for its citrus aroma, which is a distinctive feature from other Monarda flowers. Not whimsical to lighting: grows well in the sun and in light shade, moistening the earth should be done regularly. Blue inflorescences will be harmoniously shaded by flowers in pink and red shades of other plants.

Monarda double Pink leis, Panorama

Monarda double found on several continents. It can be grown separately from other crops, or you can create entire flower beds in the garden. It is distinguished by a bright red color of inflorescences, due to which it received the name "red bergamot".

"Panorama" found in a variety of color solutions: All shades of red and purple can be seen on this amazing plant.

"Pink Lace" differs in purple-pink inflorescences, which have a significant size. The low shrub is resistant to many diseases. Leaves are characteristic dark color, roughness and strong aroma, which is used for flavoring in drinks.

Monarda hybrid Bergamo, Terry Tale, Citrodera Harlequin and Mahogany

The variety of hybrid monarda is a prefabricated concept. It includes the forms of flowers obtained by crossing the double and tubular species.

"Bergamo" - perennial form monarda, which pleases with flowering in the first year of planting. It has a compact bush appearance. Inflorescences of pink-purple color can be observed throughout summer season. Resistant to diseases, emitting a delicate aroma, this type will give not only aesthetic pleasure, but also add a pleasant taste to tea.

"Terry Tale" is also perennial plant which tolerates frost well. The stems are quite tall, the inflorescences have a soft amethyst tone. The aroma of flowers is not habitually fragrant, but with hints of mint. It is also used for the treatment of diseases, and in cooking, as well as for the extraction of honey.

"Citrodera Harlequin"- a representative of a low grade bush, stands out with purple-pink dense inflorescences, which are also called "sultans".

"Mahogany"- a tall (up to 1 meter) plant that blooms from mid-summer until autumn. Dark red flower petals have a characteristic curly edge. Inflorescences have the average size, look spectacular in fresh bouquets, which can be cut to the very frost. This variety is used not only as a garden decoration, but also actively used in food in the form of spicy additives, and the medicinal properties of the plant do not remain unclaimed.

How to plant a mornada (video)

Medicinal properties and contraindications of Monarda

Due to its high saturation with essential oils, Monarda is valued as a healing plant. Vitamins of groups C and B were also found in it. Essential oils contribute to the presence of medicinal properties in the bush.

1. Anti-inflammatory. They treat the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, as well as tonsillitis.
2. Antispasmodic.
3. Antiseptic. Used to treat wounds and abscesses.

It is also possible with the help of this herb to treat dermatological diseases: acne, seborrhea, fungus. The plant perfectly copes with toxins and removes them from the body, it is also used to treat specialized eye diseases, female organs and respiratory tract.

Monarda can be used to remove nervous tension and also as a blood preservative. Regular intake of the drug helps to get rid of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels. Protects against radiation exposure and strengthens the immune system.

Despite all the available positive traits, the grass has contraindications: pregnancy and lactation, age up to 5 years, individual intolerance, expressed by allergic reactions.

Monarda planting technology in open ground

Growing monarda is a fairly simple process.

• You need to grow seedlings from seeds. To do this, they are sown in boxes with soil at the end of winter.
• In spring, seedlings are transplanted into prepared soil. A place for this must be chosen inaccessible to the winds, but at the same time sunny enough. If the bed is in a light shade, the plant is not afraid, the monarda tolerates almost any conditions well.

Preparation takes a small amount of time and effort, without being particularly difficult: in the fall, you should dig up the area selected for the bush, carefully removing the roots of other plants, then add a special mixture of fertilizers, which can be not only purchased.

In warm climates, you can sow the seeds directly into the soil, but the seedling method will guarantee flowering in the first year. The distance between each bush should be at least 0.6 meters. After planting, you need to water the earth with a large volume of liquid.

General rules for caring for a monard

To avoid exposure to diseases, for example, powdery mildew, you need to regularly water the bush. If the season is hot and dry, you need to mulch the soil under the plant. It is mandatory to break through weeds and loosen the soil for better drainage.

With at regular intervals needs to be fed by special means monard. They can be purchased at specialized stores, or you can cook it yourself by diluting a cowshed with water in a ratio of 1:10. And before flowering and after it, it is necessary to process with copper sulphate.

Useful properties of monarda (video)

Collection and storage of flower seeds

The seeds of the plant ripen to the end at the end of summer, sometimes at the beginning of autumn. They can be sown immediately into the soil, and can also be harvested for breeding seedlings. But the best solution would be to save them for planting after 3 years(the best shoots are obtained after a while). It is better to store seeds in airtight packaging in a dry place, protected from sunlight.

Monarda is a bright flower that is found in a variety of colors. Despite its beauty, the plant is absolutely not demanding in care. The combination of bushes of different heights will give a spectacular result when decorating a flower bed, this is what contributes to the increasing spread of this flower.