• 8 years ago
• Posted in:Uncategorized
• 0
• Author: erin boa-brown

Monarda didyma (bee balm)

Family: Lamiaceae

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9

Size:

• 2-3 ft wide
• 2-4 ft tall

Soil & Water requirements:

• Medium moisture to wet

Exposure:

• Full sun to part shade

Leaves:

• Aromatic leaves and stems; fresh, slightly lemony
• Opposite, decussate arrangement
• Small hairs on leaves and stems
• Rectangular stems
• Herbaceous perennial

Flowers:

• Bright, scarlet-red-pink flowers; showy
• Globular, terminal flowers; crazy/unique appearance
• Mid-summer flowering

Maintenance:

• Remove dead flower heads to prolong bloom time
• Prevent overcrowding by dividing clumps every 3-4 years

Suitable uses:

• Marginal plant; waterside
• Wildlife garden
• Border planting
• Cottage garden
• Mass planting
• Punch of colour in a perennial border

Attracts:

• Hummingbirds
• Bumblebee pollinated
• Butterflies

Potential pairings:

• Colour compliments: reds; pinks; whites

Other:

• In general, monardia is prone to powdery mildew; however this selection is less prone; ensuring adequate air circulation can help reduce its occurence
• Colony forming; roots form off of stems that lay across the soil
• Takes a couple years to reach a full, robust colony