Monarda didyma

Scarlet Bee Balm

Spreading, clump-forming perennial with square stems, opposite leaves and fragrance characteristic of herbs in the mint family. Bright red flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbird.

Additional Information:

Height 24-48 Inches

Spread 24-36 Inches

Bloom/Seasonal Color Red

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Grows best in full sun but tolerates light shade, and will thrive in any moist soil that is rich in organic matter such as manure, compost, or leaf mold. Beebalm is not drought tolerant. It does best in soil that never completely dries out. Water during dry spells. Fits well into the herb garden or in a perennial border planting. Allow for good air circulation around the plants to prevent attacks from powdery mildew. Like other members of the Mint Family, Bee Balm can become invasive, but you can keep your clump contained by dividing the roots in either spring or fall. The plant should be divided every three years to keep it tidy. Dig up the root clump in the early spring, discard the inner, older portion, and re-plant the new divisions 12 to 15 inches apart. You can stimulate a second flowering in the same year by cutting the flowers right after they bloom. In the fall, prune your Monarda plants to within an inch of the ground. For faster growth, fertilize in the spring with a good all purpose (10-10-10) liquid plant food.

Characteristics & Attributes