Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Lamiaceae
Botanical Name
Monarda didyma
Plant Common Name
Oswego Tea, Red Bergamot, Scarlet Beebalm
General Description
Distinctive bright red flower clusters glow on the tall stems of scarlet beebalm in summer. This classic eastern North American wildflower is naturally distributed across old-fields, meadows, open woods and prairies, particularly those along the Alleghany Mountains. It has been a longtime garden favorite due to its beautiful blooms, pleasant fragrance and herbal qualities. Two more of its common names are Oswego tea and wild bergamot, names pointing to the fact its leaves make a refreshing tea likened in flavor to bergamot orange. In some of the earliest botanical descriptions of Monarda didyma, botanists noted that indigenous tribes people called it O-gee-che (“Flaming Flower") and taught the colonists to prepare it as tea.
Scarlet beebalm spreads via stolons and rhizomes to form substantial clumps over time. In mid-spring it sends up square stems lined with opposite, toothed leaves. These are very fragrant when crushed. Its blooms may appear in early or midsummer, depending on geographic location. The terminal flower clusters are comprised of lots of bright red, tubular flowers subtended by a ruff of burgundy bracts (petal-like modified leaves). The flowers are primarily hummingbird and bee pollinated. When flowers are spent, they turn brown and produce tiny, inconspicuous fruits.
Scarlet beebalm grows best in full sun and fertile, moderate to well-drained soil that’s evenly moist. It spreads quickly and requires division every two years or so. Deadhead to extend bloom time and prevent self-sowing. This beebalm is highly susceptible to powdery mildew, an unattractive foliar disease. It can be deterred by encouraging good air circulation. Space plants well and thin out interior stems of too dense. Heavily diseased stems can also be removed to slow mildew spread. Some cultivars have been bred to be mildew resistant.
Informal wildflower plantings, perennial borders, hummingbird gardens and herbal beds are all ideal places for this versatile garden plant. It pairs well with other summer native wildflowers, such as Echinacea and Liatris.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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Width
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
