Every July, my garden lights up with the brilliant red of Monarda Didyma – Bee Balm (or Beebalm), sometimes referred to as Scarlet Beebalm. Except in very dry years, this plant is always a showstopper in my garden. With 2024 being a fairly wet year, it is no exception this year. This plant is so easy to propagate – the roots run just below the surface of the soil and can be lifted in chunks and replanted elsewhere. I now have it growing in at least 6 different flower beds in my yard – from full shade to full sun. Definitely one of my top 10 favourites.
Scientific Name: Monarda didyma
Common Name: Bee Balm
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Alternate Common Names: American Beebalm, Crimson Beebalm, Oswego Tea, Firecracker Plant, Fragrant Balm, Red Bergamot, Scarlet Beebalm, Scarlet Monarda, Wild Oregano
Plant description: Bee Balm features square, reddish-brown stems that are slightly hairy and branch occasionally. Along the stem you will find opposite leaves that each measure up to 13cm long and 5cm wide with 2.5cm long leaf stalks. Leaves are ovate to heart shaped with pointed tips, toothed edges and may have a purple/reddish tint to them. Stems are topped with a single cluster of tubular red flowers that measures up to 10cm wide with each individual flower measuring just under 4cm long. Each flower is characterized by an upper lip with two stamens protruding from it and a lower lip that arches downwards. The outer surface of the upper lip is finely hairy. Each flower head is backed by multiple leaf-like bracts that are tinted with red or purple. Each flower produces small, dry, ovoid seeds.
In the Garden: Reminiscent of jester hats, the vivid scarlet flowers of Bee Balm contrast beautifully with surrounding foliage. Brush up against the leaves and you will notice a pleasant minty smell. The rigid stems and rounded seed heads persist into winter months to provide wonderful textural interest, especially when covered in frost or snow.
Skill level: beginner
Lifespan: perennial
Exposure: full sun to part shade
Soil Type: well drained sand, clay or loam
Moisture: medium to wet
Height: 120 cm
Spread: 90 cm
Bloom Period: Jun, Jul, Aug
Colour: red
Fragrant (Y/N): no floral scent but foliage is aromatic
Showy Fruit (Y/N): N
Cut Flower (Y/N): Y
Pests: susceptible to powdery mildew (full sun and good air circulation will help)
Natural Habitat: moist, open woods and meadows and along stream banks
Wildlife value: Hummingbirds and Swallowtail butterflies are especially attracted to the red flowers. The flowers are of special value for bumblebees and other native bees but the strongly scented leaves and stems are avoided by mammalian herbivores. A small black bee (Dufourea monardae) specializes in the pollination of Monarda flowers.
Butterfly Larva Host Plant For: none
Moth Larva Host Plant For: Gray Marvel (Anterastria teratophora), Hermit Sphinx (Sphinx eremitus), Raspberry Pyrausta Moth (Pyrausta signatalis), and Orange Mint Moth (Pyrausta orphisalis)
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7
Propagation: No treatment needed for seeds to germinate. Store seeds in a cool dry environment for spring sowing. Plants may be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring. Mature clumps of plants can be divided in the spring before they send up stems, although I have had great success dividing the clumps at almost any time of the year – the later the division, though, the less likely you will have blossoms in the first year.
Additional Info: This species blooms more vigorously if divided in spring or fall every 3-4 years – the very shallow root system is easily lifted and divided. It will spread into a large colony in just a few years if left alone. Although this plant typically has a single flower-head, it is not that uncommon for it to have a “double decker” flower, or on a rare occasion, a “triple decker”.
Native Range:
