Monarda didyma (Bee balm, Bergamot, Oswego tea)

Monarda didyma 'Marshall's Delight' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Monarda didyma moe-NAR-dah DID-ih-mah

Common Name: Bee balm, Bergamot, Oswego tea Genus: Monarda

Bee balm, a clump-forming perennial, bears minty-scented scarlet, pink, or purple flowers in midsummer on branching, square stems. Leaves are aromatic as well. This native of eastern North America attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Noteworthy characteristics: Likes wet soil. U.S. native. Good plant for a wildlife garden.
Care: Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Propagation: Divide clumps in spring. Root basal cuttings in spring.
Problems: Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Low
Characteristics	Attracts Butterflies; Attracts Hummingbirds; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color	Pink Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by judgehort
1/26/2010
Region: Northeast
Zone: 7

My rating, on individual plants, varies from 1 to 5, depending on the cultivar. Some of the older varieties are so plagued with mildew that they are not worth having; some recent cultivars show promise. I have got several new ones and I shall keep or remove them depending on performance.

posted by muckingabout
8/10/2009
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 8

I have grown one kind of bee balm in a pot on my deck surrounded by other herb plants. I found that it was happiest when the pot was in a saucer of water. During the heat of summer (and this location on the deck) it flowered with large, long-lasting bright red flowers for about a month. Does anyone know which part of the plant is used for flavouring the tea known by some as Earl Grey?

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