Scientific name: Monarda didyma
Synonym: Monarda coccinea, Monarda didyma ‘Red Colours’, Monarda kalmiana, Monarda oswegoensis
Family: LAMIACEAE
Common names: “Bee balm” “Bergamot” “hare mint” “Indian plume” “lad’s love” “mountain mint” “Oswego tea” “Robin-run-around” “rose balm”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 4-9
Light: Full sun – part shade
Exposure: Sheltered or exposed
Soil: Humus rich loam with good moisture retention
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3′ W 2′, quick spreader with underground rhizomes
Leaf and Stem shape: Clump of erect stems bearing aromatic, lance-shaped or ovate leaves
Flower: Showy 2-lipped red or pink flowers, in one or two dense terminal whorls
Maintenance: Medium, deadhead to opposite leaves for a more compact plant, can be cut to the ground in the case of really bad mildew (do not compost infected materials) , divide every 2-3 years and enjoys being mulched in spring
Landscape use: Flower borders, wildlife garden, cottage, informal, prairie planting
Propagate: By seed and division
Pests & Disease: Powdery mildew can seriously affect these plants, especially at the end of summer, provide good irrigation and choose resistant cv’s
*Deer resistant ♥ Attracts hummingbirds
Comments: Long season in flower, developed from North American native species, has been used as a medicinal herb, produces an essential oil used in perfumery
Cultivars: Mildew resistant cv’s: M. d. ‘Blaustrumpf’ , M. d. ‘ Marshall’s Delight’ , M. d. ‘Jacob Cline’
