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Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea and bergamot typically occurs in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and along streambanks. Leaves emit a minty fragrance when bruised or crushed. Long summer bloom extends for about 8 weeks from early/mid-summer to late summer. Plant foliage declines after bloom, particularly if infected with mildew. Attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, particularly when massed.
Common name of bee balm is in reference to a former use of plant resins to soothe bee stings.
Larval Host for the
Orange Mint Moth, Hermit Sphinx Moth
2-4'
2-3'
SIZE
SOIL
Medium, Wet
LIGHT
Sun, Part Shade
BENEFITS
Bees, Butterfiles, Hummingbirds
NOTES
Common name of Oswego tea is in reference to a former use of plants leaves for tea by the Oswego Indians of New York State. The common name of wild bergamot is in reference to the purported similarity of the aroma of plant flowers to the bergamot orange.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clumping, Good Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy Flowers
May, June, July, August, September
Flower
This
flowers in
Scarlet Bee Balm
Monarda didyma
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Monarda didyma, known by a number of different common names including bee balm, Oswego tea and bergamot typically occurs in bottomlands, thickets, moist woods and along streambanks. Leaves emit a minty fragrance when bruised or crushed. Long summer bloom extends for about 8 weeks from early/mid-summer to late summer. Plant foliage declines after bloom, particularly if infected with mildew. Attractive to bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, particularly when massed.
Common name of bee balm is in reference to a former use of plant resins to soothe bee stings.