CHECK AVAILABILITY

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Claire Grace is a better selection for dryer locations. Mildew resistant. Pinkish Purpler flowers from early summer to early autumn. Is Deer resistant, salt tolerant, and butterfly magnet.

HABITAT & HARDINESS: This is a cultivar and so it does not exist in the wild.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace,’ commonly known as Wild Bergamot or Bee Balm, is a charming perennial cultivar known for its delicate lavender-pink flowers and aromatic foliage. This North American native plant belongs to the mint family and typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet. ‘Claire Grace’ displays whorls of tubular flowers atop square stems, creating a captivating display in midsummer. The soft pastel hue of the blooms, coupled with the mint-scented leaves, adds a touch of elegance to garden borders, meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. This cultivar is not only a visual delight but also a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for those seeking a harmonious and vibrant garden.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’ thrives in well-drained soils and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. While this cultivar is relatively drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. ‘Claire Grace’ is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a suitable choice for gardens prone to browsing wildlife.

Adequate air circulation is important to prevent powdery mildew, a common issue with Bee Balm. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and helps maintain a tidy appearance. Dividing clumps every few years rejuvenates the plant and prevents overcrowding. With its easygoing nature and attractive blooms, ‘Claire Grace’ is a low-maintenance perennial that brings both beauty and ecological value to the garden.

LANDSCAPE USES: Beneficial Insects; Bird Garden; Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Cut/Dried Flower Garden; Deer Resistant Plantings; Fragrance Garden; Hummingbird Garden; Low Maintenance Gardens; Mass/Group, This cultivar should be considered for pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, herb gardens, perennial borders, cut flower gardens, cottage gardens, rain gardens, wildlife gardens, native plant gardens.

COMPANION & UNDERSTUDY PLANTS: Try pairing Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’ with Aster novae-angliae; Campanula rotundifolia; Coreopsis tripteris; Echinacea purpurea; Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow White’; Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’; Eupatrium fistulosum; Eupatorium hyssopifolium; Eupatroium maculatum; Eupatorium perfoliatum; Eupatorium purpureum; Helenium autumnale; Helianthus angustifolius; Heliopsis helianthoides; Phlox paniculata ‘Robert Poore’.

If a substitute is needed consider Monarda fistulosa; Monarda x ‘Judith’s Fancy Fuchsia’;and Boltonia asteroides