MONARDA DIDYMA / BEEBALM

MONARDA DIDYMA / SCARLET BEE BALM

A Native Perennial with Brilliant Red Summer Blooms

Monarda didyma, commonly known as Scarlet Bee Balm, is a vibrant native perennial prized for its bold scarlet-red flowers and aromatic foliage. Blooming in mid to late summer, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils. Scarlet Bee Balm adds striking color, fragrance, and outstanding pollinator value to perennial borders, meadow plantings, and naturalized gardens.

Why Choose Scarlet Bee Balm?

Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Bold Color: Brilliant red flowers create a strong summer focal point.
Aromatic Foliage: Leaves are fragrant and resistant to browsing.
Native & Hardy: Well-suited to pollinator gardens and naturalized landscapes.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green, aromatic leaves.
Flower Color: Bright scarlet-red blooms in dense, rounded clusters.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 2–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates loam and clay.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 2–4 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.
Flowering: Mid to late summer with vibrant red blooms.
Fragrance: Aromatic foliage when crushed.

Ideal Uses:

Pollinator & Hummingbird Gardens: A favorite nectar source.
Borders & Perennial Beds: Adds height and bold color.
Meadow & Naturalized Plantings: Provides native character and wildlife value.
Cut Flower Gardens: Excellent for fresh floral arrangements.

Scarlet Bee Balm is a standout native perennial. Its vivid red flowers, aromatic foliage, and strong pollinator appeal make it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, perennial borders, and naturalized landscapes.