Beebalm

Monarda didyma (mo-NAR-da DID-ee-mah)

Family: Lamiaceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Scarlet beebalm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the North Carolina mountains and throughout the Appalachians, it may be seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway, flowering during the summer months. The species epithet is Latin for “paired” and refers to the flowers’ maturing in pairs, one on each side of the stem (although this pattern is obscured as more flowers in the clusters open). This plant prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun but will tolerate some shade. Scarlet beebalm can reach a height of 4 feet and will spread rapidly by underground stolons. Blossoms attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies, and the leaves have a minty aroma when crushed. Native bees nest in the dead, hollow stems, so gardeners are encouraged to cut back dead stems to 12 to 24 inches and allow them to remain standing until they disintegrate on their own. Read more about best practices for stem-nesting bees in this NC Extension publication . Scarlet beebalm provides color and contrast for the perennial border, cottage garden, specimen planting, native and pollinator garden, meadow, naturalized planting and along ponds or streams. It is used in herbal medicine, and its flowers are edible. Quick ID Hints: Stems are erect and square, with opposite leaves. Leaves are coarse, pubescent, with finely serrate margins. Inflorescences are dense, tight clusters subtended by bracts. Flowers are two-lipped, with elongated, thin corolla tubes. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Plants are susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Avoid overhead watering to minimize mildew. Also, some cultivars have shown a fair amount of resistance to powdery mildew (where “fair” is defined as less than half study cohort dying from the disease). More information on Monarda .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 67 attributes.