Description
Scientific name: Monarda didyma
Range: Native and rare in Marquette County and Lower Michigan
Light: Full, Partial Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Medium, Moist
Benefits: Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Butterflies, Deer Resistant
Height: 3-5′
Blooms: June-August
Zones: 4-8
Color: Red
Spacing: 18″
Root: Rhizome
Scarlet Bee Balm brings a rare splash of chorus-girl red to the native garden, and it’s easy to grow if you provide it what it needs. Good garden soil works just fine. Hummingbirds can’t stay away, but deer and rabbits give it a wide berth. Consider planting some pearly everlasting in front for color contrast.
Scarlet Bee Balm is somewhat aggressive, but it shouldn’t overwhelm established plants of a certain size. Fortunately, the roots are shallow, so you can easily divide and transplant, which you will want to do if you have room. This is one pretty plant.
