Common Name: Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Bergamot
Latin Name: Monarda didyma
Size: 0 (min) to 0 (max)
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From Question and Answer Forums: What are others saying about this plant?
i have the red var. and a robust purple one that was over 5 ft. tall last year. i get a large flock of ruby throated hummingbirds each year and find i need multiple beds of bee balm
Plant Facts
Category: Perennial Family: LAMIACEAE
Genus: Monarda
species: didyma
Origin:
Size: 0 (min) to 0 (max)
Size Description:
Notes:
Growth habit: Upright, spreading
Foliage: Opposite and ovate to ovate-lanceolate, serrate or dentate, green or sometimes purple-tinged, veined, aromatic. Four-angled stems
Flowers: Its 2-lipped, tubular white, pink or red flowers, borne in summer (June-July), are among the showiest of the garden herbs.
Culture: Grows best in soil that stays damp in the summer. However, it dislikes damp winters. The plant is not suitable for high pH soils. It prefers sun but is adaptable to shade as long as the soil remains damp. Plant where its spreading habit will not disrupt the garden. If used in a perennial border, divide every 3 years to prevent excessive spread.
Pests and problems: Powdery mildew. Some cultivars have some resistance to powdery mildew.
Uses: Perennial border, herb garden, naturalized area, container plant. This plant was used by native Americans and early colonists as an herbal tea, and is used as a flavoring for Earl Grey blended tea. Called Beebalm because it attracts bees.
Propagation: Seed, cuttings, division
Cultivars: The following are disease resistant (only disease-resistant cultivars are recommended!) ‘Jacob Cline’ – deep red with a tinge of blue; to 4 feet, shown in both photos. ‘Cambridge Scarlet’ – Bright scarlet flowers, vigorous growth to 3 feet. ‘Croftway Pink’ – Soft pink flowers, 3 to 4 feet tall. ‘Mahogany’ – deep wine-colored flowers, 3 feet tall
Notes courtesy of Sue Trusty.
Characteristics:
| Availability: | High Availability | ||
| Deer Resistance: | Good Resistance | See plants that are deer resistant. | |
| Full Sun Tolerance: | Performs Well | See other plants that like full sun. | |
| Part Shade Tolerance: | Good Performance | See other plants that like part shade. |
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This plant is on the recommended list of: Deer Resistant Attracts Butterflies Kris Barton
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Would you like your own recommender list? Simply Contact Us or use the form at the bottom of this page.
Plant Images and Specimens
Location: Coyote Ct, Mason Coyote ct Mason OH
Specimen: 123
Specimen: 123
Monarda didyma
Age: 2008
Planted By: Sue Trusty
Photo Credit: Brandan Jones
Season: Mid Summer 2008
Monarda didyma
Age: 2008
Planted By: Sue Trusty
Photo Credit: Brandan Jones
Season: Mid Summer 2008
Monarda didyma
Age: 2008
Planted By: Sue Trusty
Photo Credit: Brandan Jones
Season: Mid Summer 2008
Location: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens 3400 Vine Street Cincinnati OH 45220
GPS location of this plant [Latitude: 39.144793966666700 Longitude: -84.509592383333300] Specimen: 1332
GPS location of this plant [Latitude: 39.144793966666700 Longitude: -84.509592383333300] Specimen: 1332