Monarda didyma

Product Info

Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Mint Family

Red, tubular flowers hold an abundance of nectar and are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds. Flowers also have attractive red bracts at the base of each flower that are quite attractive. Foliage is highly aromatic and has been traditionally used for tea. This species is naturally found in partly sunny moist seepages, meadows and thickets in and near the mountains. In the home garden, best flowering will occur in full sun with rich moist soil. These conditions also promote aggressive spreading by rhizomes. Planting in more shade can keep spreading in check,but will produce fewer flowers. This species is prone to powdery mildew, which does not harm the plant, but can be unsightly in the garden. Dry soils and overcrowding will both promote mildew growth. Keeping plants moist, cool, and thinned out will do wonders for powdery mildew.

Blooms: Red, 4-6 weeks, June-Aug
Leaves: Rich green, aromatic, evergreen basal leaves have purple tones
Height: 3-4’
Space: 2-3‘
Soil: Average-Moist
Exposure:  Full-Part Sun-Part shade
Fauna: Hummingbirds, butterflies, some bees, host plant to several moth species
Seeds: Small shiny seeds inside of a brown seed head
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 3-9
Native Status: NC native, common in the Mountains, uncommon in the Piedmont
Provenance: Unknown, asexually propagated