I bought the herb labeled “Bee Balm” on a lark. I planted the small ground hugging perennial that summer and watched it spread into a patch of green. When the second year arrived it bloomed in huge ...

Understanding the Context

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is one of nature's more improbable looking plants. The most common type of bee balm, scarlet bee, is often planted as a hardy perennial in flower beds. The bright red flowers ... Monarda, commonly known as bee balm, has been a popular garden perennial for many years.

Key Insights

Most of the modern hybrids come from two species native to the eastern United States. Today’s cultivars come in ... Bee balm is a pretty perennial lavender-colored flower native to Wisconsin prairies. It goes by a few other names including monarda, wild bergamot and Oswego tea. The Latin name is Monarda fistulosa.

Final Thoughts

Monarda didyma, commonly called bee balm, bergamot and Oswego tea, is an attractive and nectar-rich native plant for a rain garden, herb garden or perennial bed. Bee balm is in the mint family ... Gardeners Swear By Bee Balm—Here’s How to Keep It Thriving originally appeared on Dengarden. Gardeners looking to roll out the red carpet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, need to look no ... Bee balm is a must for summer gardens because it provides a month or more of colorful blooms. Several monarda species -- including red-flowered M.

didyma and lavender-flowered M. fistulosa -- are ... Northwestern Media: Master Gardener: Bee balm finds a place in any mid-summer landscape Columbus Dispatch: Mint family's bee balm used to make herbal tea, potpourri