Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet Beebalm

(Monarda didyma)

H. Zell

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: H. Zell

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Monarda didyma, commonly known as Scarlet Beebalm, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to moist woodland areas, thickets, and stream banks across Eastern North America, including the Eastern USA and Ontario. It typically grows to a height of 0.6-1.2 meters and spreads 0.4-0.6 meters. The plant has a clump-forming habit with square stems and ovate leaves that emit a minty fragrance when crushed. Scarlet Beebalm is notable for its bright red, tubular flowers, 3–4 cm long, which are borne in dense, showy heads of about 30 with reddish bracts. These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and bloom for approximately 8 weeks from early to late summer, adding vibrant color to the garden.

Scarlet Beebalm is valued for its striking flowers, fragrant foliage, and its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens. It is also used in borders, cottage gardens, and as a naturalizing plant. Scarlet Beebalm prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate light shade, although it blooms best in full sun. It is susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in crowded conditions or when airflow is poor. To prevent this, good air circulation should be maintained, and it may be necessary to divide plants every few years to reduce crowding.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-4 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Red
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist woodland areas, thickets, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Oswego Tea, Crimson Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Bergamot, Fragrant Balm, Mountain Mint, Oswego-Tea, Mountain-Mint, Fragrantbalm, Scharlach-Indianernessel

Scientific Names: , Monarda didyma, Monarda coccinea, Monarda purpurea, Monarda didynama, Monarda kalmiana, Monarda contorta, Monarda didyma var. angustifolia, Monarda oswegoensis, Monarda purpurascens,

GBIF Accepted Name: Monarda didyma L.