A delightful new selection by Brent Horvath, ‘Midnight Oil’ was selected for its handsome, dark bronzy-purple springtime foliage. By early summer these mint-scented leaves transition to olive-green and serve as a sturdy foil to light pink, spider-like flowers. These blooms consist of nectar-rich, tubular petals dusted with maroon speckles- a beacon for hummingbirds and butterflies. A stately mid-height perennial, ‘Midnight Oil’ is great for naturalizing, drawing pollinators to mixed beds, and adding interest to the perennial border.
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Details
Hardiness Zone:
4
Blossom Color:
Rose to Pink
Growth Habit:
Slow Spreading
Max Height:
2'
Texture:
Medium Texture
Recommended Spacing:
1½' to 2'
We sell this plant in these containers:
#1 Pot
Special Characteristics
Cuttings
Seasonal Effect
Moderate Area
Native Hybrid
Hummingbird
Butterflies
Bees
Large Area
Sandy Soil Tolerant
Fragrant Flowers
Features
Handsome, dark bronzy-purple springtime foliage serve as a sturdy foil to light pink, spider-like flowers.
Landscape Value
Great for naturalizing, drawing pollinators to mixed beds, and adding interest to the perennial border.
Care
Watering:
'Midnight Oil' Eastern Bee Balm is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, to maintain soil in a moist but not wet condition, during the summer months.
Fertilizing:
'Midnight Oil' Eastern Bee Balm is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
'Midnight Oil' Eastern Bee Balm should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.
