Indian nettles (Monarda), also sold under the name “golden balm”, are beautiful perennials for colorful beds. They bloom at their peak in mid-summer and early fall. Good companions are grasses, late-flowering perennials such as silver candles, goldenrod, coneflowers or asters that bloom in late summer. The location is ideally sunny to partially shaded.
Which location is optimal for the Indian nettle?
The Indian nettle prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, ideally with morning and evening sun. The soil should be loose, permeable and slightly moist. Compost or peat substitutes can be added for optimal growth.
Sunny to light partial shade – Indian nettle for every location
In their natural habitat, Indian nettles can be found primarily in moist meadows and on sparse forest edges. For this reason, most Monardas thrive best in light partial shade, where they particularly appreciate morning and evening sun. In full sun locations, however, the magical flowers wither quickly. On the other hand, there are specially bred varieties that also do very well in sunny places.
Indian nettles love loose, slightly moist soil
Basically, most Indian nettles like loose, permeable and, above all, slightly moist soil. As prairie plants, the perennials are used to drought, but they only bloom sparingly during such periods. It is best to add compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and/or some peat (or peat substitutes) to the potting soil.
Tip
Due to the strong scent of bergamot or peppermint, Indian nettle is not particularly popular with mosquitoes and other insects. It is therefore best to plant the perennial near places to sit, such as the terrace.
