hmm Ive had a problem with leaf mold but according to this site it likes wet areas. Im very surprised. I think if you add some organic matter and keep it watered it would do fine.

Here is a link that might be useful: monarda

Last year I planted Jacob Cline and Petite Delight in our new raised bed of which the soil was sorely lacking. It was very, very sandy. With sufficient amounts of water both plants grew very well although I doubt I would do that again. In the name of keeping them happy I watered them a lot and they became mildewy for which Monarda apparently has a propensity anyway.

It can be done though. I would try to amend the soil as much as you can and water only in the morning.

Kate

Anyone try 'Claire Grace'? It's supposed to be more drought tolerant, and I'd prefer not to do tons of supplemental watering.

I absolutely love Monarda and have many species and cultivars. Monarda didyma is NOT drought tolerant and will languish in dry sandy soil (BTDT). Most of the popular varieties sold at nurseries such as 'Jacob Cline' 'Raspberry Wine' 'Cambridge Scarlet' 'Petite Delight' etc. are cultivars of M. didyma.

'Claire Grace' is a cultivar of Monarda fistulosa and will do somewhat better in drier soil. I've got a huge patch of it and boy do the pollinators love it.

You could also consider growing Monarda citriodora or M. punctata (aka Lemon mint and spotted bee balm). M citriodora is an annual bee balm, I've read M. punctata is biennial but there seems to be confusion about it. I winter-sowed both of these this past winter - had very good germination and they are flowering now. They attract all kinds of pollinators and are supposedly very drought-tolerant, preferring dry sandy soil. We are having such a wet summer though, that they haven't really been put to the test. :)

Here's an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly on Monarda citriodora -

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