Monarda Cambridge Scarlet (3 × 9cm pots)

A popular old variety with bright red flowers. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: July to September Hardiness: fully hardy A well-established and deservedly popular variety, 'Cambridge Scarlet' was first introduced over 100 years ago. It's sought after for its long season of bright red flowers, which top the upright stems from midsummer. It looks gorgeous when planted en-masse in the middle of a sunny border, where its flowers will typically be smothered with butterflies and bees, and it associates particularly well with ornamental grasses. Garden care: Most monardas can be capricious, and do not like soil that is either too damp or too dry. These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, and while this rarely causes long-term damage, it can look unsightly towards the end of the summer. You can help reduce this by applying a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around each plant. Resist cutting bergamot back in autumn, since the stiff, vertical stems look good all winter.