Summary
The brilliant red, tubular, two-lipped flowers of scarlet bee balm (Monarda didyma), are arranged in dense terminal clusters, and highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This 2-4’ tall, clump-forming perennial grows best in sunny or lightly shaded locations in moist soil that has been enriched with organic matter. The foliage, when bruised, has a spicy fragrance and is prone to powdery mildew. This can be controlled by providing adequate moisture, thinning for good air circulation, and selecting mildew resistant cultivars. Scarlet bee balm is an excellent companion in the perennial border for foxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Culver’s-root (Veronicastrum virginicum), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus). Zones 4-9.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
red - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
green
Additional Information
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Floridata, Illinois Wildflowers