Monarda plant named ‘Leading Lady Lilac’

Abstract

The new and distinct cultivar of ornamental cultivar of hybrid ornamental bee balm named Monarda ‘Leading Lady Lilac’ has slightly-glossy, powdery mildew-tolerant foliage, flower heads of light lilac-purple flowers with lower petals accented by dark red-purple spotting, each head subtended by red-purple bracts. Flowering begins two weeks earlier than Monarda didyma cultivars and extends with fresh appearance over a long period due to lateral flower branches that develop above the terminal branches. The plant is short, compact and winter-hardy.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct cultivar of hybrid ornamental Bee balm plant,  Monarda  ‘Leading Lady Lilac’, as herein described and illustrated, dark green foliage, slightly-glossy, powdery mildew-tolerant foliage; early-flowering light lilac-purple flowers with darker accent spotting over a long period beginning late spring; short, compact, winter-hardy habit; and especially suitable as a potted plant, for the garden, patio, and for cut flower arrangements.