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First Impression: Considered to be a cultivar of the Monarda didyma, this ‘Purple Rooster’ was selected for its deep purple flowers rather than having to cross two species. Its upright and rigid stems provide a wonderful aesthetic compared to taller plants that end up drooping over. With its dull green leaves having a rough texture ‘Purple Rooster’ looks a tad different than most other Monarda.

Habitat & Hardiness: This is a cultivar and cannot be found in the wild. Performing best in full sun with moist but well drained soil it can tolerate some shade especially in hot environments. ‘Purple Rooster’ has also been found to not be very picky on its soil conditions whether that be clay, alkaline or acidic. This cultivar had been proven to be hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

Plant Description: Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’ is a clump forming perennial with purple flowers. Its strong upright stems ensure that flowers are more than visible without having to stake them. Having not only a wonderful and vibrant color, the foliage will release a spicey fragrance when disturbed or crushed.

Blooming for weeks in the mid to late summer guarantee that there is plenty of time to see them and watch any wildlife coming to feed on the nectar rich blooms. Attracting everything from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and song birds in the fall and winter to eat the seeds. This cultivar has been studied and recommended by Mt. Cuba Center in Delaware for not being susceptible to powdery mildew.

Growing up to 3′ tall and 2′ wide this cultivar can take up some space but it very worth it to gardeners and bird watchers alike. Being an excellent grower in southern gardens allow space for this cultivar to expand but if it does get to big you can always divide a clump off to help maintain it size.

Cultural & Maintenance Needs: With full sun being its preferred light condition ‘Purple Rooster’ doesn’t mind having some shade and still growing fine. Liking its moist to average soil it is adaptable to heavy clay as long as it’s not water logged. This cultivar is also fairly drought resistant.

Deadheading flowers will encourage new blooms but once flowering is finished you can cut ‘Purple Rooster’ to the ground to promote the growth of healthy new shoots and leaves.

Landscape Uses: Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’ is a nice perennial for borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens, rain garden, plantings along stream banks or for naturalizing.

Companion & Understudy Plants: Good perennial companions would be Asters, Baptisia, Echinacea, Eupatorium, Liatris, Penstemon, Phlox paniculata, Solidago and a multitude of native grasses. Good substitutions would be Monarda ‘Judith’s Fancy Fuchsia’, Monarda ‘Claire Grace’, Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ or the parent species of ‘Purple Rooster’ Monarda didyma.

Trivia: Monarda ‘Purple Rooster’ was selected by The Flower Factory in Stoughton, Wisconsin and named by the owners David and Nancy Nedveck.