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Monarda didyma

Scarlet Bee Balm

Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm)

Spreading, clump-forming perennial with square stems, opposite leaves and fragrance characteristic of herbs in the mint family. Bright red flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbird.

Additional Information:

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Height
24-48 Inches

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Spread
24-36 Inches

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Bloom/Seasonal Color
Red


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Grows best in full sun but tolerates light shade, and will thrive in any moist soil that is rich in organic matter such as manure, compost, or leaf mold. Beebalm is not drought tolerant. It does best in soil that never completely dries out. Water during dry spells. Fits well into the herb garden or in a perennial border planting. Allow for good air circulation around the plants to prevent attacks from powdery mildew. Like other members of the Mint Family, Bee Balm can become invasive, but you can keep your clump contained by dividing the roots in either spring or fall. The plant should be divided every three years to keep it tidy. Dig up the root clump in the early spring, discard the inner, older portion, and re-plant the new divisions 12 to 15 inches apart. You can stimulate a second flowering in the same year by cutting the flowers right after they bloom. In the fall, prune your Monarda plants to within an inch of the ground. For faster growth, fertilize in the spring with a good all purpose (10-10-10) liquid plant food.

Good Companions
Blue Sage (Salvia azurea), Spotted Joe-Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

UPL

Nature Attracting

Butterfly
Beneficial Insects
Hummingbird

Root

Stolons

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Moderate

Special Uses

Fragrant
Fresh Cut Flower

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Butterfly Nectar
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