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    • Photo of Monarda didyma flower by Almost Eden

    Photo by Almost Eden

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    Monarda didyma

    Also Known As

    • Bergamot
    • Oswego Tea
    • Scarlet Bee Balm

    Plant type

    perennial

    size

    • H: 2'-4'
    • W: 2'-3'

    planting zones

    • 4a-10b

    More Options

    Monarda didyma plant details

    Monarda didyma is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Monarda didyma

    Plant type: perennial
    Plant family: lamiaceae
    Foliage: deciduous green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
    Flowers: red blooms in summer
    Uses: cutting garden, dried-arrangements, fragrant

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Monarda didyma

    USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture
    Resistant to: deer
    Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    A pollinator favorite, Beebalm's red bloom makes it especially attractive to hummingbirds. One of only a few red-flowered natives, it holds a special place in the mid-summer color scheme. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, Monarda didyma will grow well in zones 4 - 7. Does best in a rich soil with a good organic matter content to provide moisture during the heat of summer. Also known as Oswego Tea, American Bee Balm or Scarlet Bee Balm.

    By: Prairie Nursery

    Large clusters of glowing red tubular blooms are borne atop 24-30". An easy spreading perennial. Great for Hummingbirds! A clump forming slowly spreading perennial. Item# 9102

    By: Almost Eden

    Gardening facts about Monarda didyma plant

    How to Grow Monarda didyma

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • adaptable
      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich
      • gritty

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • red

    • Wildlife

      • bees
      • butterflies
      • hummingbirds
      • deer resistant

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

    See other plant types of Monarda for your garden

    Monarda 'Raspberry Wine'

    aka Monarda didyma 'Raspberry Wine', Oswego Tea, Raspberry Wine Bee Balm

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    4a-8b

    Size

    Height: 36"-48"

    Width: 18"-24"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Monarda 'Raspberry Wine' flower by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
    View Plant

    Monarda 'Prairie Gypsy'

    aka Prairie Gypsy Bee Balm

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    5a-9b

    Size

    Height: 24"-40"

    Width: 18"-48"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Monarda 'Prairie Gypsy' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
    View Plant

    Monarda 'Marshall's Delight'

    aka Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horsemint, Oswego Tea

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Herb

    Zones

    3a-9b

    Size

    Height: 24"-28"

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Monarda 'Marshall's Delight' flower by Far Reaches Farm
    View Plant

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    Monarda 'Jacob Cline'

    aka Monarda didyma 'Jacob Kline', Bee Balm, Bergamot, Horsemint, Jacob Kline Bee Balm, Oswego Tea

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Herb

    Zones

    3a-9b

    Size

    Height: 24"-36"

    Width: 24"-36"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Monarda 'Jacob Cline' flower by Karl Gercens III
    View Plant

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    Monarda fistulosa

    aka Bee Balm, Wild Bergamont

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Aquatic

    Zones

    3a-8b

    Size

    Height: 2'-5'

    Width: 3'

    • sun
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    Photo of Monarda fistulosa close-up, flower by Hardyplants
    View Plant

    More Options

    +60 more Monarda
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